sunny, hot, temps 26
We're at Hovey Manor, on Lac Massawippi...the Inn that inspired the Manoir Bellechasse. Inspired, but wasn't a real model...since it's considerably less isolated than the manoir in The Murder Stone/A Rule Against Murder.
We arrived Sunday and have been having a wonderful, relaxed time. Pour buckets yesterday, but it was very peaceful. We sat on the wide porch with a pot of coffee and read all morning, then the rain let up just in time to have lunch on another porch, overlooking the lake...I had a warm duck panini and Michael had a lobster salad on baguette, ice tea...then we shared a creme brule.
Then, nap time, and dressed for dinner...by then it was raining heavily again. I had the seared scallops appetizer and duck breast main course, while Michael had fiddlehead soup (an astonishing colour!) and halibut. Then we both had a strawberry parfait.
Dear Lord.
Unbelieveably relaxing. Trying not to think of editing book 6, or launching The Brutal Telling...but I must admit, thoughts sneak in. Had a massage today and kept seeing scenes from book 6, as they might be improved. Oh well. I think that's just how it is. Lucky, I love my characters, so bringing them to Hovey is natural...especially the Gamaches.
Didn't ask for an upgrade, you'll be pleased to hear. And ended up with a lovely room. Hard to have a bad one here.
A couple of readers dropped by for coffee today...their dog, Missy, ate their library copy of Dead Cold and they wondered if maybe I could sign a new one for them, as a replacement. We had a great chat, then they left and I had the massage.
Be well...and be confident in the certainty there is more creme brule coming!
Tuesday, 30 June 2009
Saturday, 27 June 2009
Hail
overcast, warm, scattered showers, temps 23
A mixed day. yesterday we had very dramatic rain in the afternoon and evening, including hail and huge winds. Had the tub filled with water, and the power did go out, but momentarily.
Michael's cold is better...I bbq'd hamburgers in the pouring rain...a comfort food for him. I'm sure that helped. That and all the drugs I stuffed into the patty. Sprinkled it with NeoCitran. Yum.
Spent much of the evening watching coverage of the death of Michael Jackson. Breaks the heart. Mostly what is so painful is seeing that transformation, from vibrant, stunning, energetic young man to what he became. What a price. Still, others have huge fame and somehow manage to deal with it. Some are better equipped - emotionally, tempermentally, physically, and familially (is that a word?)?
Am doing a feature on Alan Bradley for the wonderful publication, Mystery News. Sent him some questions, got his response and am now fashioning the article. Need to remember, too, to send a photo and book cover to the Barry Awards people. They asked about 10 days ago, and I still haven't done it.
Tomorrow Michael and I are off to Manoir Hovey, to celebrate and relax for a few days. Heaven. Am off to the village to pick up a few things (including more stuff to unstuff Michael). Then have a quiet day. Oh, it feels good. Feels odd, actually. Takes me a while to not feel guilty, like I should be doing something constructive.
Have a great weekend!
A mixed day. yesterday we had very dramatic rain in the afternoon and evening, including hail and huge winds. Had the tub filled with water, and the power did go out, but momentarily.
Michael's cold is better...I bbq'd hamburgers in the pouring rain...a comfort food for him. I'm sure that helped. That and all the drugs I stuffed into the patty. Sprinkled it with NeoCitran. Yum.
Spent much of the evening watching coverage of the death of Michael Jackson. Breaks the heart. Mostly what is so painful is seeing that transformation, from vibrant, stunning, energetic young man to what he became. What a price. Still, others have huge fame and somehow manage to deal with it. Some are better equipped - emotionally, tempermentally, physically, and familially (is that a word?)?
Am doing a feature on Alan Bradley for the wonderful publication, Mystery News. Sent him some questions, got his response and am now fashioning the article. Need to remember, too, to send a photo and book cover to the Barry Awards people. They asked about 10 days ago, and I still haven't done it.
Tomorrow Michael and I are off to Manoir Hovey, to celebrate and relax for a few days. Heaven. Am off to the village to pick up a few things (including more stuff to unstuff Michael). Then have a quiet day. Oh, it feels good. Feels odd, actually. Takes me a while to not feel guilty, like I should be doing something constructive.
Have a great weekend!
Friday, 26 June 2009
Home
Mainly sunny, rumbles of thunder, humid and hot temps 30
Home!
Arrived back by 4pm yesterday. Took JetBlue out of NYC - what a fabulous experience. Will immediately sign up for their frequent flier programme. We had the 2 hour drive home, easy and lovely drive through the Vermont countryside. Stopped to pick up steaks and fruit and vegetables, got Trudy, and arrived home. Spent the rest of the afternoon - which was sunny and hot - sitting by the pool, reading, drinking pink lemonade, looking at the gardens bursting with blooms. So beautiful and fragrant.
Bliss.
As was NYC, but in a whole other way. How lucky to have both experiences in our lives...and in a single day.
After a BBQ by the pool we went to bed, turned on the TV and saw the horrible news about Michael Jackson. Love his music - especially Thriller...but it felt as though 'Michael Jackson' left decades ago, to be replaced by a very unhappy man. And perhaps worse. So sad.
And also sad for Farrah Fawcett...I think we all knew she was dying, and perhaps this was a blessed release...but can't help feeling badly that her passing is so overshadowed by Michael Jackson's death. Still, both are beyond caring now.
Michael awoke to a cold...he was getting it last night, and sure enough, it arrived. Am trying to look after him, but like most men he both wants to make it clear he's ill (perhaps even dying) but doesn't want any special attention. Will go down and wave lunch in front of him...and some more pink lemonade.
Lise came today and the garden is looking spectacular...it practically giggles as she prunes and trims and weeds. One of the first things I did yesterday was go into the cutting garden and fill vases with peony and salvia.
Alarm guy showed up to put in a carbon monoxide detector in the basement.
Expecting FedEx to pick up some pages for the editors.
Did a call with CBC Radio for the CanadaReads books club - they're doing The Murder Stone(A Rule Against Murder), online, in August...and anyone can take part. I'll let you know more as it gets closer.
Take care and will speak to you tomorrow.
Home!
Arrived back by 4pm yesterday. Took JetBlue out of NYC - what a fabulous experience. Will immediately sign up for their frequent flier programme. We had the 2 hour drive home, easy and lovely drive through the Vermont countryside. Stopped to pick up steaks and fruit and vegetables, got Trudy, and arrived home. Spent the rest of the afternoon - which was sunny and hot - sitting by the pool, reading, drinking pink lemonade, looking at the gardens bursting with blooms. So beautiful and fragrant.
Bliss.
As was NYC, but in a whole other way. How lucky to have both experiences in our lives...and in a single day.
After a BBQ by the pool we went to bed, turned on the TV and saw the horrible news about Michael Jackson. Love his music - especially Thriller...but it felt as though 'Michael Jackson' left decades ago, to be replaced by a very unhappy man. And perhaps worse. So sad.
And also sad for Farrah Fawcett...I think we all knew she was dying, and perhaps this was a blessed release...but can't help feeling badly that her passing is so overshadowed by Michael Jackson's death. Still, both are beyond caring now.
Michael awoke to a cold...he was getting it last night, and sure enough, it arrived. Am trying to look after him, but like most men he both wants to make it clear he's ill (perhaps even dying) but doesn't want any special attention. Will go down and wave lunch in front of him...and some more pink lemonade.
Lise came today and the garden is looking spectacular...it practically giggles as she prunes and trims and weeds. One of the first things I did yesterday was go into the cutting garden and fill vases with peony and salvia.
Alarm guy showed up to put in a carbon monoxide detector in the basement.
Expecting FedEx to pick up some pages for the editors.
Did a call with CBC Radio for the CanadaReads books club - they're doing The Murder Stone(A Rule Against Murder), online, in August...and anyone can take part. I'll let you know more as it gets closer.
Take care and will speak to you tomorrow.
Thursday, 25 June 2009
Home Today
Mainly sunny, temps 80
Going to be a gorgeous day in NYC...but we`re heading home. We were initially going to stay until Friday, but decided to return early - missing home...missing the roses and peony. Missing Trudy. And it was such a perfect respite in New York. And now it`s time to go home.
Had a lovely message from Dolores Gordon Smith...who tried to leave it on the `comment`section of the blog but was stymied. So she sent this message privately, and I decided to put it ùp`.
Thanks for the nice things you said about “As If By Magic” Louise. It’s a bit of a new move for my beloved Jack Haldean – he’s investigating some very dark doings round the Thames in the early 1920’s, but there’s some fun stuff on the way.
It’s been great to follow your NY trip. The Frick Collection sounds great – I did a “virtual” internet trip following your comments. When you think of Thomas Cromwell and Thomas More, the lies, the power-struggles, the cheating and the bravery, all for the favour of a King, it’s stunning to think of the two portraits looking silently at each other across a room.
Love
Dolores
Dolores really is a superb writer.
One of the very nice things about returning home early is that we now have a day completely to ourselves at home...except I`ve ended up scheduling a conversation with a CBC producer tomorrow at 10am - The network has chosen The Murder Stone (A Rule Against Murder) as the CBC Reads book for August, which is huge for the book since it means tens of thousands of readers across the country and some really thoughtful discussion. So we need to co-ordinate some things with Ann, from the CBC. Fortunately we were planning on spending the month at home, so we needn`t juggle the schedule too much.
Take care - be well...and will talk tomorrow.
Going to be a gorgeous day in NYC...but we`re heading home. We were initially going to stay until Friday, but decided to return early - missing home...missing the roses and peony. Missing Trudy. And it was such a perfect respite in New York. And now it`s time to go home.
Had a lovely message from Dolores Gordon Smith...who tried to leave it on the `comment`section of the blog but was stymied. So she sent this message privately, and I decided to put it ùp`.
Thanks for the nice things you said about “As If By Magic” Louise. It’s a bit of a new move for my beloved Jack Haldean – he’s investigating some very dark doings round the Thames in the early 1920’s, but there’s some fun stuff on the way.
It’s been great to follow your NY trip. The Frick Collection sounds great – I did a “virtual” internet trip following your comments. When you think of Thomas Cromwell and Thomas More, the lies, the power-struggles, the cheating and the bravery, all for the favour of a King, it’s stunning to think of the two portraits looking silently at each other across a room.
Love
Dolores
Dolores really is a superb writer.
One of the very nice things about returning home early is that we now have a day completely to ourselves at home...except I`ve ended up scheduling a conversation with a CBC producer tomorrow at 10am - The network has chosen The Murder Stone (A Rule Against Murder) as the CBC Reads book for August, which is huge for the book since it means tens of thousands of readers across the country and some really thoughtful discussion. So we need to co-ordinate some things with Ann, from the CBC. Fortunately we were planning on spending the month at home, so we needn`t juggle the schedule too much.
Take care - be well...and will talk tomorrow.
Wednesday, 24 June 2009
As If By Magic!
mixed sun and cloud, warm, temps 80
New York City...
Another terrific day. Had breakfast with Linda Ellerbee - the magnificent journalist and writer. She`d gotten in touch after reading the series and we started corresponding and chatting a couple times on the phone...but this was the first time we actually met. She suggested a place not far from her home...AOC cafe on Bleeker Street. Michael and I got there a couple minutes early since we weren`t sure how long the taxi would take. Less time than expected. One thing that strikes a newcomer to NYC is that for the most part the streets are a sea of yellow...only taxis seem to drive in the city. And there are tons of them!
When Linda arrived we all went to the back of the place, and loe and behold, a terrific little courtyard terrace. Michael was relegated to another table (lovely man is happy to sit on his own and let me meet with various people...then he picks up the tab...such a sweet and generous man). linda and I gabbed away like old friends, then she showed us her stunning brownstone in Greenwich village and her production company, Lucky Duck Productions. Then we said goodbye and made our way up to the Gramercy Park area. Our friend Susan had just written to say we HAD to stop by Union Square since it was Wednesday and there`s a wonderful street fair. We actually were geographically confused and thought Union Square was south and we were heading north...but no, there ahead was the square and the fair...and Susan (not for the first time) was right! What a fabulous scene. We hung around, wishing we could buy some of the produce. Michael drooled over the radishes, which he loves...the size of a baseball. Then off to lunch with Andy Martin, the publisher of Minotaur Books and Matthew Shear, the publisher of St. Martin`s paperbacks division. It was at the Gramcery Tavern. Dear God, it was a terrific meal. And a wonderful setting. We talked about all sorts of things, occassionally touching on my books and the next one to be published, The Brutal Telling - but mostly just enjoying ourselves. Michael got to sit with us this time!!! And I`m very grateful to Andy and Matthew for including him, and recognizing that the equation is clear and simple, `No Michael, no books.``
Then back to the hotel for a relax. heading home via Jet Blue tomorrow.
But also wanted to tell you some exciting news about a great writer and friend - Dolores Gordon Smith - a UK writer of historical mysteries. her latest book is called AS IF BY MAGIC and has just been published in the UK. If you haven`t tried her books yet you really must...and I think this is the best one yet! I wanted you to know that.
Hope you`ve enjoyed the visit to New York City...I think next time we`ll stay at the W - but the one on Union Square...great location. And we`d get to know a different part of the city.
Might not blog tomorrow - traveling. Once we get into Burlington we still have an hour and a half drive home...
We`ve had such fun here!
New York City...
Another terrific day. Had breakfast with Linda Ellerbee - the magnificent journalist and writer. She`d gotten in touch after reading the series and we started corresponding and chatting a couple times on the phone...but this was the first time we actually met. She suggested a place not far from her home...AOC cafe on Bleeker Street. Michael and I got there a couple minutes early since we weren`t sure how long the taxi would take. Less time than expected. One thing that strikes a newcomer to NYC is that for the most part the streets are a sea of yellow...only taxis seem to drive in the city. And there are tons of them!
When Linda arrived we all went to the back of the place, and loe and behold, a terrific little courtyard terrace. Michael was relegated to another table (lovely man is happy to sit on his own and let me meet with various people...then he picks up the tab...such a sweet and generous man). linda and I gabbed away like old friends, then she showed us her stunning brownstone in Greenwich village and her production company, Lucky Duck Productions. Then we said goodbye and made our way up to the Gramercy Park area. Our friend Susan had just written to say we HAD to stop by Union Square since it was Wednesday and there`s a wonderful street fair. We actually were geographically confused and thought Union Square was south and we were heading north...but no, there ahead was the square and the fair...and Susan (not for the first time) was right! What a fabulous scene. We hung around, wishing we could buy some of the produce. Michael drooled over the radishes, which he loves...the size of a baseball. Then off to lunch with Andy Martin, the publisher of Minotaur Books and Matthew Shear, the publisher of St. Martin`s paperbacks division. It was at the Gramcery Tavern. Dear God, it was a terrific meal. And a wonderful setting. We talked about all sorts of things, occassionally touching on my books and the next one to be published, The Brutal Telling - but mostly just enjoying ourselves. Michael got to sit with us this time!!! And I`m very grateful to Andy and Matthew for including him, and recognizing that the equation is clear and simple, `No Michael, no books.``
Then back to the hotel for a relax. heading home via Jet Blue tomorrow.
But also wanted to tell you some exciting news about a great writer and friend - Dolores Gordon Smith - a UK writer of historical mysteries. her latest book is called AS IF BY MAGIC and has just been published in the UK. If you haven`t tried her books yet you really must...and I think this is the best one yet! I wanted you to know that.
Hope you`ve enjoyed the visit to New York City...I think next time we`ll stay at the W - but the one on Union Square...great location. And we`d get to know a different part of the city.
Might not blog tomorrow - traveling. Once we get into Burlington we still have an hour and a half drive home...
We`ve had such fun here!
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Unbelievable
Mainly sunny, lovely day, temps 75
New York City. Beautiful day, in every way. Weather is certainly co-operating. It was just right today...not humid or sticky, fresh feeling. Rain has held off, though we were `misted` on last night walking to dinner...at least, we`re hoping that was rain.
Had a terrific dinner last night at DB Bistro Moderne in mid-town Manhatten...chosen by Hope and her husband Charlie because it`s a bistro, like in Three Pines, and the chef is named Olivier. We had a terrific time...first time meeting Charlie and he`s wonderful. Warm, funny, smart (doctor qualified in every field it seems except pediatrics - so Michael pitched in there). I had the green pea soup, cold, and scallops. Absolutely perfect. Michael and Charlie both had smoked salmon as a starter, then Michael had lamb tagine. Charlie had veal and I think hope had lamb chops. Then we settled on decaff cappuccinos. And yakked and laughed all evening.
Rain had cleared by the time we walked home to the hotel...felt totally safe walking through mid-town at 11pm. Perhaps we were delusional, but no one else seemed concerned.
Oh, Hope brought the Advance Readers copy of THE BRUTAL TELLING. I have to say, it looks spectacular. A fireplace, which on first glance might seem inviting, but the stones are heavy and almost cave-like. I think it`s brilliant. We`re all very excited about this book. Out in october.
Got up at 6am today and went over to the Today Show at Rockefeller Plaza. Arrived about 7am and took our places, by then we were way far away from any possible action, but it was really fun to watch. Then we had breakfast at Rock Center Cafe, below the `mall`area. Was going to go to the Popover place, but it was quite far away. Settled on a lovely window seat at the cafe. French Presse coffee, crepes, bacon...relax.
then walked the 20 blocks up Fifth Avenue to the Frick collection...an amazing museum across from Central Park in the former residence of the Frick`s. My god, the collection was stunning. All these paintings I`d seem all my life and was suddenly, unexpectedly, faced with the original. Especially the one of Thomas More, across the fireplace from Cromwell, his mortal enemy, both by Hans Holbein.
constables, Turners, Whistlers, Rembrandts, Degas, Vermeer. ``Ùnbelievable`` Michael kept saying, and he was right. and so peaceful.
then we went across the street, deep into Central Park, and had a picnic. I`d brought along a couple sandwiches and a coke.
Then to Brooks Brothers on Madison Avenue to get Michael a few shirts and a hat. And now we`re back home, having napped, and ready for dinner at the Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station.
Such fun. How fortunate we are. Speak to you tomorrow!
New York City. Beautiful day, in every way. Weather is certainly co-operating. It was just right today...not humid or sticky, fresh feeling. Rain has held off, though we were `misted` on last night walking to dinner...at least, we`re hoping that was rain.
Had a terrific dinner last night at DB Bistro Moderne in mid-town Manhatten...chosen by Hope and her husband Charlie because it`s a bistro, like in Three Pines, and the chef is named Olivier. We had a terrific time...first time meeting Charlie and he`s wonderful. Warm, funny, smart (doctor qualified in every field it seems except pediatrics - so Michael pitched in there). I had the green pea soup, cold, and scallops. Absolutely perfect. Michael and Charlie both had smoked salmon as a starter, then Michael had lamb tagine. Charlie had veal and I think hope had lamb chops. Then we settled on decaff cappuccinos. And yakked and laughed all evening.
Rain had cleared by the time we walked home to the hotel...felt totally safe walking through mid-town at 11pm. Perhaps we were delusional, but no one else seemed concerned.
Oh, Hope brought the Advance Readers copy of THE BRUTAL TELLING. I have to say, it looks spectacular. A fireplace, which on first glance might seem inviting, but the stones are heavy and almost cave-like. I think it`s brilliant. We`re all very excited about this book. Out in october.
Got up at 6am today and went over to the Today Show at Rockefeller Plaza. Arrived about 7am and took our places, by then we were way far away from any possible action, but it was really fun to watch. Then we had breakfast at Rock Center Cafe, below the `mall`area. Was going to go to the Popover place, but it was quite far away. Settled on a lovely window seat at the cafe. French Presse coffee, crepes, bacon...relax.
then walked the 20 blocks up Fifth Avenue to the Frick collection...an amazing museum across from Central Park in the former residence of the Frick`s. My god, the collection was stunning. All these paintings I`d seem all my life and was suddenly, unexpectedly, faced with the original. Especially the one of Thomas More, across the fireplace from Cromwell, his mortal enemy, both by Hans Holbein.
constables, Turners, Whistlers, Rembrandts, Degas, Vermeer. ``Ùnbelievable`` Michael kept saying, and he was right. and so peaceful.
then we went across the street, deep into Central Park, and had a picnic. I`d brought along a couple sandwiches and a coke.
Then to Brooks Brothers on Madison Avenue to get Michael a few shirts and a hat. And now we`re back home, having napped, and ready for dinner at the Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station.
Such fun. How fortunate we are. Speak to you tomorrow!
Monday, 22 June 2009
A Grand Time
partly sunny, warm, temps mid-70`s
A perfect day! Rain has disappeared for the moment - apparently it`s rained for almost 20 days solid. We arrived yesterday between rains - but it teemed down on a street fair we were about to visit, and washed it out, yesterday.
this morning we met Dan in the W for breakfast, then scooted out into the sunshine. Perfect temp. And not humid. Went to the Waldorf-Astoria (just across the street) to visit and pay homage to the Cole Porter piano in the lobby. Ooohed and Aaahed our way across all the great avenues...park, Madison...then on to Fifth Avenue and Saks. Michael bought four fabulous bow ties (the kind you tie yourself, of course!) I hope he wears one out to dinner with Hope and Charlie tonight.
Had dinner last night at a terrific Greek restaurant called the Avra - wonderful fish. Strolled home arm in arm.
Having dinner tonight at the DB Bistro Moderne on 44th street near Fifth Avenue.
Tomorrow we`re up bright and early to go to Rockefeller Plaza to watch the Today Show, then off for breakfast at a place Marjorie recommended (see comments). We have all day to walk and marvel. Want to visit the Frick Museum, and walk in Central Park.
Have reservations tomorrow night at Michael`s favorite restaurant in New York. The Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station. Such fun! Mind you, we`re not exactly specialists in NYC restaurants, so if people have recommendations, please send them along. If we can`t do it for this trip I`ll save them for the next.
By the way, you`re having just a wonderful time in New York!
A perfect day! Rain has disappeared for the moment - apparently it`s rained for almost 20 days solid. We arrived yesterday between rains - but it teemed down on a street fair we were about to visit, and washed it out, yesterday.
this morning we met Dan in the W for breakfast, then scooted out into the sunshine. Perfect temp. And not humid. Went to the Waldorf-Astoria (just across the street) to visit and pay homage to the Cole Porter piano in the lobby. Ooohed and Aaahed our way across all the great avenues...park, Madison...then on to Fifth Avenue and Saks. Michael bought four fabulous bow ties (the kind you tie yourself, of course!) I hope he wears one out to dinner with Hope and Charlie tonight.
Had dinner last night at a terrific Greek restaurant called the Avra - wonderful fish. Strolled home arm in arm.
Having dinner tonight at the DB Bistro Moderne on 44th street near Fifth Avenue.
Tomorrow we`re up bright and early to go to Rockefeller Plaza to watch the Today Show, then off for breakfast at a place Marjorie recommended (see comments). We have all day to walk and marvel. Want to visit the Frick Museum, and walk in Central Park.
Have reservations tomorrow night at Michael`s favorite restaurant in New York. The Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station. Such fun! Mind you, we`re not exactly specialists in NYC restaurants, so if people have recommendations, please send them along. If we can`t do it for this trip I`ll save them for the next.
By the way, you`re having just a wonderful time in New York!
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