mainly sunny, mild, temps 20
Well, the septic tank is in. But it had some company. While showing the tank to the Pompage BM people yesterday Michael fell into the septic tank. Well, not all the way in, but far enough. He called me to say, in a little boy voice, 'I had an accident.' which could mean anything from 'I've broken my neck' to 'My ice cream fell from the cone.' At no stage did I think it could possibly mean, 'I fell into the septic tank.' A weeping field, maybe. Who hasn't? But a barrel full of poop?
Home he came, off came the clothes. and shoes. Into the washing machine they went, into the shower he went. A cup of tea and date square later and he was feeling better.
Honestly, that is not the way you want to go. Imagine that. And imagine the headlines... Man killed by fall...crap sought for questioning.
And just when we thought we'd seen the last of the damned tank we got a call about an hour ago from the city inspector. We'd put it 1 metre from the house (where the old tank ((and briefly Michael)) had been) - instead of 1.5 metres from the house.
So now we need to dig another hole. Oh well. Frankly, I don't think you can have too many holes in a lawn, but Michael disagrees.
Last night - all night - the alarm kept beeping. Not outright wailing, thank God, but a persistent beeping that was enough to drive us from our room and into a guest room. Called the alarm people and while Michael was supervising the septic situation, having intimate knowledge now of the tank, I supervised the repair of the alarm system. Which mostly meant staying out of Benoit's way.
We've made reservations to go to New York at the end of June. That's be wonderful. Staying at the W, I think.
Before that we have a few events, including being the Canadian Guest of Honour at Bloody Words. Denise Mina - a wonderful Scottish crime writer, is the International Guest of Honour. Received the schedule of my events for that. a one-on-one interview and two panels...and I need to give a short speech at the banquet on Saturday June 6th. Need to write that.
Am hoping to finish the first draft of book 6 by June 1st - then write the speech, then head off for an event in Toronto, then the Ellis awards banquet, then Bloody Words - then back to Montreal in time for the apartment move mid-June. Then off to New York.
whenever I feel stressed - which is fairly often these days - I remember my new mantra...at least it isn't a tank of crap. At least it isn't a tank of crap. Repeat after me. At least...
Friday, 22 May 2009
Thursday, 21 May 2009
Beautiful Day
sunny, hot temps 25
Gorgeous, perfect Day. Wayne's out on the tractor, mowing the lawn...smells of fresh cut grass. As I walk around the pond, and near the house, I can smell the apple blossoms. Heaven. The fruit trees have exploded with colour. And the lilacs are close to blooming.
What a beautiful day.
Am halfway through the writing day, but paused to talk to Michael - and am on my way out to walk Trudy...Michael coming too. Makes such a nice break in the day.
The new Septic tank arrived at the guest cottage this morning. I haven't seen it, but Michael was there. He says it's enormous. We could live in it. Perhaps we could just leave it there on the lawn and convince guests its the outhouse. Just poop directly into it.
Maybe charge extra for the charm of it.
Enough, now, about our crap dramas. Except to say the old tank needs to be emptied later today before the new one goes in, so we called the people who do that. They're called Pompage BM...I'm not kidding.
Lovely day -
Am trying to find the soundtrack to a wonderful Canadian musical from the late 70's, early 80's called Billy Bishop Goes to War. I had it once, on tape, but lost it and now it appears out of 'print'. If anyone knows where I can find a copy, please let me know. Fantastic play/musical - set in WW1.
Must go - sunshine and puppy and husband waiting.
Writing going very well - phew.
Gorgeous, perfect Day. Wayne's out on the tractor, mowing the lawn...smells of fresh cut grass. As I walk around the pond, and near the house, I can smell the apple blossoms. Heaven. The fruit trees have exploded with colour. And the lilacs are close to blooming.
What a beautiful day.
Am halfway through the writing day, but paused to talk to Michael - and am on my way out to walk Trudy...Michael coming too. Makes such a nice break in the day.
The new Septic tank arrived at the guest cottage this morning. I haven't seen it, but Michael was there. He says it's enormous. We could live in it. Perhaps we could just leave it there on the lawn and convince guests its the outhouse. Just poop directly into it.
Maybe charge extra for the charm of it.
Enough, now, about our crap dramas. Except to say the old tank needs to be emptied later today before the new one goes in, so we called the people who do that. They're called Pompage BM...I'm not kidding.
Lovely day -
Am trying to find the soundtrack to a wonderful Canadian musical from the late 70's, early 80's called Billy Bishop Goes to War. I had it once, on tape, but lost it and now it appears out of 'print'. If anyone knows where I can find a copy, please let me know. Fantastic play/musical - set in WW1.
Must go - sunshine and puppy and husband waiting.
Writing going very well - phew.
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
Dr Blackanddecker
mainly sunny, growing warmer, temps 20
Today started early and cold. Very cold. And very early. Alarm sounded at 5:30 - I rolled over. Michael got up then I dragged myself out of bed, dressed etc - and was in the car before 6. Waving goodbye to Michael and Trudy.
I had a 9am dental appointment in Montreal. A 3 hour appointment.
As soon as I sat down he said to his assistant, 'Get the hammer ready, just in case.'
I started to laugh, thinking he was kidding. he wasn't. Now, there's a sentence you never want to hear from your dentist...or doctor, actually. or accountant.
Happily, the hammer wasn't necessary. Nor was the chain saw or jaws of life. and three hours later i left.
Normally three hour dentist appointment, that involved a 3 hour drive, isn't top of my fun list. But, I happen to adore my dentist and his assistant, and his receptionist and have been going there for about 90 years - since a 1/2 hour in the chair is about a year in normal time. But mostly this was terrific because I REALLY needed the quiet time to think.
Yesterday I worked on the book from 9:30 - as soon as we returned from breakfast (french toast and coffee) to 9 last night. I wrote about a thousand words then decided I needed to map out the remainder of the book. In doing that I realized I'd created a couple of huge structural problems. I was appalled. And felt a little stressed and sick.
How to solve the problems??
How fortunate, then, to have three hours in the car alone, with my music - and my thoughts. And sure enough, a few ideas came. Not sure if they're enough - but a start.
I actually vascillated between really, really wanting not to go, but to get down to writing - to actively solving the problem...throwing myself against the book, over and over, until it shifts.
But I know this was for the best. And now I can hardly wait to get at it, with this new plan. Part of it involved actually writing the final scene...then working backwards and forwards...and meeting someplace I hope.
However, I plan to have the hammer ready, just in case.
Had a lovely interview with the Ottawa Citizen yesterday. A man named James...felt more like a fun conversation...hope I didn't say anything too ridiculous...like claiming to have been nominated for an Anthony Award this year.
WAIT!
That actually happened!!! Had the official announcement yesterday morning! THE CRUELEST MONTH has been nominated for an Anthony in the US for Best Novel!!! This, I have to say, is hugely prestigous and exciting.
The other nominees are:
Best Novel
Trigger City by Sean Chercover [William Morrow]
The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly [Little, Brown and Company]
Red Knife by William Kent Krueger [Atria]
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson [Knopf]
The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny [Minotaur]
Best First Novel
Pushing Up Daisies by Rosemary Harris [Minotaur]
Stalking Susan by Julie Kramer [Doubleday]
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson [Knopf]
Death of a Cozy Writer by G.M. Malliet [Midnight Ink]
Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith [Grand Central]
The awards will be given out at Bouchercon in mid-October in Indianapolis.
This is thrilling - especially given the company! Congratulations to all.
Between replying to congratulatory messages and interviews we were dealing with sewage - well, septic systems anyway. The universe has a way of balancing things out! Our friend Dwayne came by and he, Tony and Michael tried to decode the hole in the guest cottage lawn.
Seems that wasn't the actual septic tank (didn't smell-as a clue)- more likely part of the weeping field (great name, no? - we have a weeping field). But they dug til they found the tank and discover it was also caving in (it did smell). So now we have two holes (one of which smells). Not certain we're going in the right direction here. And we have a series of summer tenents arriving early June. Some of whom read this blog. So - if you're coming to the cottage I want you to know this:
Everything's F.I.N.E. And I say that sincerely. Now, a few new suggestions - you might want to cut back on fibre and fruits, and consider having a good old fashioned festival du fromage.
Oh, I hear Michael on the phone with Dwayne arranging for a backhoe. More holes.
Life.
Today started early and cold. Very cold. And very early. Alarm sounded at 5:30 - I rolled over. Michael got up then I dragged myself out of bed, dressed etc - and was in the car before 6. Waving goodbye to Michael and Trudy.
I had a 9am dental appointment in Montreal. A 3 hour appointment.
As soon as I sat down he said to his assistant, 'Get the hammer ready, just in case.'
I started to laugh, thinking he was kidding. he wasn't. Now, there's a sentence you never want to hear from your dentist...or doctor, actually. or accountant.
Happily, the hammer wasn't necessary. Nor was the chain saw or jaws of life. and three hours later i left.
Normally three hour dentist appointment, that involved a 3 hour drive, isn't top of my fun list. But, I happen to adore my dentist and his assistant, and his receptionist and have been going there for about 90 years - since a 1/2 hour in the chair is about a year in normal time. But mostly this was terrific because I REALLY needed the quiet time to think.
Yesterday I worked on the book from 9:30 - as soon as we returned from breakfast (french toast and coffee) to 9 last night. I wrote about a thousand words then decided I needed to map out the remainder of the book. In doing that I realized I'd created a couple of huge structural problems. I was appalled. And felt a little stressed and sick.
How to solve the problems??
How fortunate, then, to have three hours in the car alone, with my music - and my thoughts. And sure enough, a few ideas came. Not sure if they're enough - but a start.
I actually vascillated between really, really wanting not to go, but to get down to writing - to actively solving the problem...throwing myself against the book, over and over, until it shifts.
But I know this was for the best. And now I can hardly wait to get at it, with this new plan. Part of it involved actually writing the final scene...then working backwards and forwards...and meeting someplace I hope.
However, I plan to have the hammer ready, just in case.
Had a lovely interview with the Ottawa Citizen yesterday. A man named James...felt more like a fun conversation...hope I didn't say anything too ridiculous...like claiming to have been nominated for an Anthony Award this year.
WAIT!
That actually happened!!! Had the official announcement yesterday morning! THE CRUELEST MONTH has been nominated for an Anthony in the US for Best Novel!!! This, I have to say, is hugely prestigous and exciting.
The other nominees are:
Best Novel
Trigger City by Sean Chercover [William Morrow]
The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly [Little, Brown and Company]
Red Knife by William Kent Krueger [Atria]
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson [Knopf]
The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny [Minotaur]
Best First Novel
Pushing Up Daisies by Rosemary Harris [Minotaur]
Stalking Susan by Julie Kramer [Doubleday]
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson [Knopf]
Death of a Cozy Writer by G.M. Malliet [Midnight Ink]
Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith [Grand Central]
The awards will be given out at Bouchercon in mid-October in Indianapolis.
This is thrilling - especially given the company! Congratulations to all.
Between replying to congratulatory messages and interviews we were dealing with sewage - well, septic systems anyway. The universe has a way of balancing things out! Our friend Dwayne came by and he, Tony and Michael tried to decode the hole in the guest cottage lawn.
Seems that wasn't the actual septic tank (didn't smell-as a clue)- more likely part of the weeping field (great name, no? - we have a weeping field). But they dug til they found the tank and discover it was also caving in (it did smell). So now we have two holes (one of which smells). Not certain we're going in the right direction here. And we have a series of summer tenents arriving early June. Some of whom read this blog. So - if you're coming to the cottage I want you to know this:
Everything's F.I.N.E. And I say that sincerely. Now, a few new suggestions - you might want to cut back on fibre and fruits, and consider having a good old fashioned festival du fromage.
Oh, I hear Michael on the phone with Dwayne arranging for a backhoe. More holes.
Life.
Monday, 18 May 2009
odds and ends
clearing, cool, temps 11
Still well below seasonable, but at least it's lovely and sunny this evening. So pretty. Checked the lilies this afternoon for japanese beetles...they're terrible...look a bit like Lady Bugs, if you don't know what a lady bug looks like. These pests are red/orange and shaped like a very, very small cigar. And they'll destroy all the lilies in hours.
Didn't find any - but will keep looking. had a few last year.
Had a bbq tonight. Hamburgers. While they were cooking I tied up some clematis that we want to train up a post in the middle of a bed. If you wait too long they've wrapped themsevles around all the other plants in the area.
So that felt good.
Good days writing, I think. Feels good, anyway.
Got on the elliptical - the monster. Thought, for a horrifying moment, it said my heartbeat got up to 215...but then it bounced down to 157.
It feels very good when I stop.
It was a lovely, quiet day at home...and then we were surprised by the skies clearing early this evening. Beautiful.
Tomorrow we're off to Cowansville early for breakfast, then home before 10 to write. Have a 2pm interview with the Ottawa Citizen. Try not to forget.
Oh, we've been watching the level of the pool and we think maybe we don't have a leak...sure hope not!
Still well below seasonable, but at least it's lovely and sunny this evening. So pretty. Checked the lilies this afternoon for japanese beetles...they're terrible...look a bit like Lady Bugs, if you don't know what a lady bug looks like. These pests are red/orange and shaped like a very, very small cigar. And they'll destroy all the lilies in hours.
Didn't find any - but will keep looking. had a few last year.
Had a bbq tonight. Hamburgers. While they were cooking I tied up some clematis that we want to train up a post in the middle of a bed. If you wait too long they've wrapped themsevles around all the other plants in the area.
So that felt good.
Good days writing, I think. Feels good, anyway.
Got on the elliptical - the monster. Thought, for a horrifying moment, it said my heartbeat got up to 215...but then it bounced down to 157.
It feels very good when I stop.
It was a lovely, quiet day at home...and then we were surprised by the skies clearing early this evening. Beautiful.
Tomorrow we're off to Cowansville early for breakfast, then home before 10 to write. Have a 2pm interview with the Ottawa Citizen. Try not to forget.
Oh, we've been watching the level of the pool and we think maybe we don't have a leak...sure hope not!
Sunday, 17 May 2009
Leaks
partly cloudy, cold, temps 8
I swear it was almost cold enough to snow this morning. Blech. But at least it isn't raining!
The pool seems to have sprung another leak.
Trying not to stress about it - we've decided to note the waterline and see if it goes lower - then contact our pool guy.
The really wonderful spot is that Gary has managed to fix the roof of the screen porch so it doesn't leak!!! (Perhaps the leak has just moved over to the pool...maybe we're destined to always have a leak someplace) We are beyond thrilled and relieved. Gives us back the use of the porch. poor guy was here for 5 hours on Friday fixing it. And God knows, we had a great test with the torrential rains yesterday.
Writing going well...mapping out where I'm going next is great...at this stage the writing is easy and fun - it's just the structure that's a challenge. Needing, as I've said before, to bring everything together and do it with some elegance.
Just returned from Brunch over at Susan's. Always fun. And Mike - who is leaving CBC Radio for the Guardian - I think I told you about that earlier in the week - sent some emails from listeners after his big announcement on Thursday. I'd begged him to do it, and needed to almost threaten the poor guy before he agreed to send some. But they're very moving. Mike has really made a difference to the listeners - creating a fabulous, insightful, smart but also warm show. So that was really fun, reading all the great things people were saying about our wonderful friend.
Be well - will talk tomorrow...if I don't spring a leak, though that might look after the water retention.
I swear it was almost cold enough to snow this morning. Blech. But at least it isn't raining!
The pool seems to have sprung another leak.
Trying not to stress about it - we've decided to note the waterline and see if it goes lower - then contact our pool guy.
The really wonderful spot is that Gary has managed to fix the roof of the screen porch so it doesn't leak!!! (Perhaps the leak has just moved over to the pool...maybe we're destined to always have a leak someplace) We are beyond thrilled and relieved. Gives us back the use of the porch. poor guy was here for 5 hours on Friday fixing it. And God knows, we had a great test with the torrential rains yesterday.
Writing going well...mapping out where I'm going next is great...at this stage the writing is easy and fun - it's just the structure that's a challenge. Needing, as I've said before, to bring everything together and do it with some elegance.
Just returned from Brunch over at Susan's. Always fun. And Mike - who is leaving CBC Radio for the Guardian - I think I told you about that earlier in the week - sent some emails from listeners after his big announcement on Thursday. I'd begged him to do it, and needed to almost threaten the poor guy before he agreed to send some. But they're very moving. Mike has really made a difference to the listeners - creating a fabulous, insightful, smart but also warm show. So that was really fun, reading all the great things people were saying about our wonderful friend.
Be well - will talk tomorrow...if I don't spring a leak, though that might look after the water retention.
Saturday, 16 May 2009
Mind the gap
rainy, windy, cool temps 13
But - yesterday was gorgeous! We drove in to Montreal (after a breakfasting in cowansville, bien sur!). Dropped some boxes at the apartment, then headed north to Outremont. Perhaps the loveliest quartier of Montreal. In my books, Reine Marie and Armand live there. It's built just below Mont Royal and is filled with parks and mature trees, with gracious old row houses with outside stairs leading to the upper flats. No home is more than 3 floors high and each has a pocket garden, some planted with flowers some with vegetables. It's a rich area, culturally, with the Quebecois intelligencia and a large Hasidic community, as well as some Italian and Greek. And a few Anglos.
We were in town to meet Peter, who is the head of International Sales for Headline - my UK publishers. He was in Toronto for meetings and decided to fly to Montreal so we could talk over lunch. Plan strategy etc. We like Peter, and he included Michael which makes us like him even more.
I'd wondered what to waer but decided to go casual (no, not my flannels). A week or so ago we were also in town because an endowement we'd created at the Montreal Children's hospital had finally reached a level where the interest could be handed over to the head of research into childhood cancers. so there was a little ceremony. But I didn't think I'd make it because of a two important dental appointments - so I'd simply worn some old clothes.
but the appointments went much faster than planned and I had lots and time. I called Michae;l - yes, I could still make it. it was in 20 minutes. But I was in clothing only fit for dental dribble.
Oh oh.
I ran over to place Alexis Nihon - the ceremony was in a board room above it...but below were shops. I had 10 minutes to find something presentable to wear. I tore around there like a new reality show. Survivor Montreal. Believe it or not I found a really nice camisole and a lovely sweater.
So I wore those to see Peter too. I should shop under duress more often. god know, Michael does.
We wanted Peter to get a taste of French Montreal, and we know Lili and David have a home in that area, so we asked and she suggested the restaurant Lemeac, on Laurier.
Perfect. I made reservations, we drove up, parked - arriving intenionally early so we could wander. It's acxtually forgotten how lovely it is. laurier is stuffed with boutiques and bistros, cheese places, pastry shops, cafes, bookstores. In fact, we met Peter wandering up and down too. He'd arrived early. so we all went into a French bookstore and browsed.
then off to lunch. It was sunny and mild and I'd asked for a table on the terrasse. We were placed beside a lilac bush, with fresh flowers. It was beautiful and fragrant...the whole thing felt magical. Including the meal. Michael and peter had the calves liver...I had the scallops. We ended with cafe au laits and creme brules - though Michael had a line of mini-profiterols. I didn't think we'd get him out of there.
then we zipped home.
It's the long weekend in Quebec...Victoria day for the anglos...and patriots Day for the Francophones. Oh well. Neither can claim higher ground.
Susan was coming out for the weekend, and coming over for dinner. As you know we think of susan as a sister, so we don't go to much trouble...some salads, a fruit salad for dessert and a confit de canard on the BBQ. When we'd left that morning we'd gone by the cottage to leave off some flowers and a message...
Welcome. Hope the drive was good. See you for dinner. Love, Michael and louise. PS, try not to fall into the big hole of crap.
Yes - a big hole of crap has opened up on the lawn of the guest cottage. Normally we'd blame susan but sadly it appeared before she did.
I do wonder if it's karmic. Piles of bear crap on our lawn, we just clean that up when the septic whatever yawns open next door. It's everywhere.
So this morning, before the rains came, Monsieur Cote arrived to look into it and pass judgement.
Yup - it's crap.
Yup - it's a very old septic system.
Yup - you need to replace it.
Nope - it's not free. And apparently we can't pay in dog biscuits either.
It's always something.
Happily, the lovely Susan came for dinner last night - and brought not only herself but homemade granola and a birthday gift for Michael since she couldn't make the party. Eccles Cakes. Susan makes the best.
So, once again, Michael and I ate our troubles away. We understand that's a healthy thing to do.
Will let you know tomorrow what other piece of crap falls on us. However, I have to admit, it still smells sweet, and far more good stuff lands on us than bad. Really, who doesn't have an effluent hole in their front lawn. Just one more conversation piece.
If you see me coming at a cocktail party - run.
But - yesterday was gorgeous! We drove in to Montreal (after a breakfasting in cowansville, bien sur!). Dropped some boxes at the apartment, then headed north to Outremont. Perhaps the loveliest quartier of Montreal. In my books, Reine Marie and Armand live there. It's built just below Mont Royal and is filled with parks and mature trees, with gracious old row houses with outside stairs leading to the upper flats. No home is more than 3 floors high and each has a pocket garden, some planted with flowers some with vegetables. It's a rich area, culturally, with the Quebecois intelligencia and a large Hasidic community, as well as some Italian and Greek. And a few Anglos.
We were in town to meet Peter, who is the head of International Sales for Headline - my UK publishers. He was in Toronto for meetings and decided to fly to Montreal so we could talk over lunch. Plan strategy etc. We like Peter, and he included Michael which makes us like him even more.
I'd wondered what to waer but decided to go casual (no, not my flannels). A week or so ago we were also in town because an endowement we'd created at the Montreal Children's hospital had finally reached a level where the interest could be handed over to the head of research into childhood cancers. so there was a little ceremony. But I didn't think I'd make it because of a two important dental appointments - so I'd simply worn some old clothes.
but the appointments went much faster than planned and I had lots and time. I called Michae;l - yes, I could still make it. it was in 20 minutes. But I was in clothing only fit for dental dribble.
Oh oh.
I ran over to place Alexis Nihon - the ceremony was in a board room above it...but below were shops. I had 10 minutes to find something presentable to wear. I tore around there like a new reality show. Survivor Montreal. Believe it or not I found a really nice camisole and a lovely sweater.
So I wore those to see Peter too. I should shop under duress more often. god know, Michael does.
We wanted Peter to get a taste of French Montreal, and we know Lili and David have a home in that area, so we asked and she suggested the restaurant Lemeac, on Laurier.
Perfect. I made reservations, we drove up, parked - arriving intenionally early so we could wander. It's acxtually forgotten how lovely it is. laurier is stuffed with boutiques and bistros, cheese places, pastry shops, cafes, bookstores. In fact, we met Peter wandering up and down too. He'd arrived early. so we all went into a French bookstore and browsed.
then off to lunch. It was sunny and mild and I'd asked for a table on the terrasse. We were placed beside a lilac bush, with fresh flowers. It was beautiful and fragrant...the whole thing felt magical. Including the meal. Michael and peter had the calves liver...I had the scallops. We ended with cafe au laits and creme brules - though Michael had a line of mini-profiterols. I didn't think we'd get him out of there.
then we zipped home.
It's the long weekend in Quebec...Victoria day for the anglos...and patriots Day for the Francophones. Oh well. Neither can claim higher ground.
Susan was coming out for the weekend, and coming over for dinner. As you know we think of susan as a sister, so we don't go to much trouble...some salads, a fruit salad for dessert and a confit de canard on the BBQ. When we'd left that morning we'd gone by the cottage to leave off some flowers and a message...
Welcome. Hope the drive was good. See you for dinner. Love, Michael and louise. PS, try not to fall into the big hole of crap.
Yes - a big hole of crap has opened up on the lawn of the guest cottage. Normally we'd blame susan but sadly it appeared before she did.
I do wonder if it's karmic. Piles of bear crap on our lawn, we just clean that up when the septic whatever yawns open next door. It's everywhere.
So this morning, before the rains came, Monsieur Cote arrived to look into it and pass judgement.
Yup - it's crap.
Yup - it's a very old septic system.
Yup - you need to replace it.
Nope - it's not free. And apparently we can't pay in dog biscuits either.
It's always something.
Happily, the lovely Susan came for dinner last night - and brought not only herself but homemade granola and a birthday gift for Michael since she couldn't make the party. Eccles Cakes. Susan makes the best.
So, once again, Michael and I ate our troubles away. We understand that's a healthy thing to do.
Will let you know tomorrow what other piece of crap falls on us. However, I have to admit, it still smells sweet, and far more good stuff lands on us than bad. Really, who doesn't have an effluent hole in their front lawn. Just one more conversation piece.
If you see me coming at a cocktail party - run.
Thursday, 14 May 2009
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...
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...
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