mainly sunny, warm, temps 27
Now we get summer! It's gorgeous. Another quiet day. In fact, I could have written this blog yesterday since nothing at all is happening. Phew. I love it.
I did want to pass on something really fun that happened a few weeks back. As these things sometimes happen, it was actually at a very sad event - the funeral for sister-in-law Mary's father. At the visitation the night before Michael and I met up with Rob and Linda Snoyer, old friends of my brothers from Toronto. Are you following this??? Well, enough names and characters, I'll cut to the chase.
Rob and Linda's daughter, Michaela, had just been told that she'd won the role of Louisa in the Toronto production of The Sound of Music!
Now, there were HUGE casting and audition calls. Practically every girl in Canada tried out. Michaela had never acted before and barely sang. She was in a small local choir. But she and a bunch of others decided to try - nothing to lose.
And after any number of call-backs and auditions and stress - they got the call.
It's like this fairy tale. fortuntately for Michaela her parents are sensible, loving, grounded people who don't themsevles have stars in their eyes. (though I must say I did when I heard!)
I was so excited for them - and impressed with her. Not everyone would have the courage and poise to keep going.
After hearing Linda and Rob's description of the process I know I'll be watching the Toronto production of The Sound of Music with different eyes. No matter who's performing I know I'll be seeing remarkable kids. But we're sure going to do our best to see Michaela Snoyer as Louisa.
I just wanted to tell you about that - be well. I'm off for breakfast tomorrow morning with Cheryl. Then more relaxing.
Sunday, 31 August 2008
Saturday, 30 August 2008
A do-nothing day
cloudy, showers, temps 20
Not a bad day, really, just some occasional showers.
This is a wonderfully lazy day! Still in my flannels. Walked the dogs a few times around the pond, made breakfast, watched TV - had mid-morning cereal and later a cappuccino. Watching The Great Escape on DVD.
Michael's working away on his book.
Lovely day. I have to chair a meeting tonight to need to put some work in on that, but this is really a wonderful, relaxing day.
I gave Robin Agnew, the owner of Aunt Agatha's mystery bookstoe in Ann Arbor an advance copy of book 4 - THE MURDER STONE (A RULE AGAINST MURDER when it comes out in the states in January). She wrote last night to say she loved it.
I never take those things for granted - so it's a huge delight to hear that, especially from someone as knowlegable and influential as Robin.
More reason to be loving this day. It feels very good, and oddly natural, to be doing nothing.
I'll speak to you tomorrow.
Not a bad day, really, just some occasional showers.
This is a wonderfully lazy day! Still in my flannels. Walked the dogs a few times around the pond, made breakfast, watched TV - had mid-morning cereal and later a cappuccino. Watching The Great Escape on DVD.
Michael's working away on his book.
Lovely day. I have to chair a meeting tonight to need to put some work in on that, but this is really a wonderful, relaxing day.
I gave Robin Agnew, the owner of Aunt Agatha's mystery bookstoe in Ann Arbor an advance copy of book 4 - THE MURDER STONE (A RULE AGAINST MURDER when it comes out in the states in January). She wrote last night to say she loved it.
I never take those things for granted - so it's a huge delight to hear that, especially from someone as knowlegable and influential as Robin.
More reason to be loving this day. It feels very good, and oddly natural, to be doing nothing.
I'll speak to you tomorrow.
Friday, 29 August 2008
Fair Day
Sunny, warm, temps 25
A perfect day for the fair! This is the big event of the year around here. The Brome County Fair. It's always over the Labour Day long weekend and is the bittersweet event that marks the end of summer holidays and the beginning of school/autumn.
We go, along with many locals, on Friday. Today. Since it tends to be a little less crazy. There're the aminal judging, the horse show, the crafts, the midway and food. Guess what we're there for.
Actually, Michael brings his sketch book and draws the animals. We have 9 years worth of drawings. It's marvelous. We eat Derby Burgers, made by our neighbors down the road at their booth, and watch the animals and people.
This is just so much fun. I feel like a kid.
Indeed, in Still Life Jane did a painting of the fair called Fair Day that plays a role. That's inspired by the Brome County Fair. And book 5 (just editing) is set at this exact weekend and there's a scene at the fair with the villagers and Gamache. Fun today to move between the real and fictional worlds. Hope I can tell them apart.
Maggie's feeling better today. Phew.
A perfect day for the fair! This is the big event of the year around here. The Brome County Fair. It's always over the Labour Day long weekend and is the bittersweet event that marks the end of summer holidays and the beginning of school/autumn.
We go, along with many locals, on Friday. Today. Since it tends to be a little less crazy. There're the aminal judging, the horse show, the crafts, the midway and food. Guess what we're there for.
Actually, Michael brings his sketch book and draws the animals. We have 9 years worth of drawings. It's marvelous. We eat Derby Burgers, made by our neighbors down the road at their booth, and watch the animals and people.
This is just so much fun. I feel like a kid.
Indeed, in Still Life Jane did a painting of the fair called Fair Day that plays a role. That's inspired by the Brome County Fair. And book 5 (just editing) is set at this exact weekend and there's a scene at the fair with the villagers and Gamache. Fun today to move between the real and fictional worlds. Hope I can tell them apart.
Maggie's feeling better today. Phew.
Thursday, 28 August 2008
When the time is right
mainly sunny, temps 24
Another beautiful day, though not sure any could match yesterday. Perfectly calm all day, and hot. Michael went for a swim. Really, these late summer days are stunning. Cool at night so great for sleeping, and hot in the day. Some trees are already turning. We have a bright red maple in the field and out the bedroom window we can see a tree turning orange. The light hits it in the morning and it looks like amber.
Had to take Maggie to the vet yesterday afternoon. She seemed to be limping more than usual. She hurt he back left leg last winter - the joint - and it's been deteriorating. Now the other leg is getting bad because it's taking all the strain. He gave us new pills. Mostly for pain. But she seems happy. Tail wagging, nose wet and cold. Eyes bright. Great appetite. She hops around the pond and loves it.
It's an interesting choice we have to make. Do we stop her from running and playing and doing pond walks so that there'll be less strain on the leg? Or do we let her do those things and run the risk of more damage sooner?
It's the classic quantity of life vs quality. We're under no illusions, though we'd like to be.
After loads of talks we decided to let her have her fun, and we'll do our best to manage the pain. Hers and ours. The little pills help, though. Yum.
We faced a similar issue with my mother a few years ago. She'd had an episode with her heart and I was there. I called her doctor and Mom got very angry. Told me it was none of my business. That took me back and I struggled with that.
Then I realized she was right. She had all her marbles. She could make informed decisions about her own life. It might not be my choice, but I had to respect hers.
She died six months later, quietly in her sleep. At home. The way she wanted. Too soon for us, but we don't get to choose. Just support.
We're hoping Maggie will tell us when she no longer wants to hop around the pond. But for now, we're all enjoying the beautiful weather and the great late summer.
This is an especially fun time for me since the fifth book is set at exactly this long Labour Day weekend in Three Pines. So I get to see if my descriptions of the weather, the garden, the smells, the sights are accurate.
We're off to North Hatley and lunch with Bernard and Patricia Lemieux. They worked with Michael on the study into Neuroblastoma. His book is about that seminal study and the shocking results. So we'll have lunch then head off to their lab...both Bernie and Pat are medical researchers.
Another beautiful day, though not sure any could match yesterday. Perfectly calm all day, and hot. Michael went for a swim. Really, these late summer days are stunning. Cool at night so great for sleeping, and hot in the day. Some trees are already turning. We have a bright red maple in the field and out the bedroom window we can see a tree turning orange. The light hits it in the morning and it looks like amber.
Had to take Maggie to the vet yesterday afternoon. She seemed to be limping more than usual. She hurt he back left leg last winter - the joint - and it's been deteriorating. Now the other leg is getting bad because it's taking all the strain. He gave us new pills. Mostly for pain. But she seems happy. Tail wagging, nose wet and cold. Eyes bright. Great appetite. She hops around the pond and loves it.
It's an interesting choice we have to make. Do we stop her from running and playing and doing pond walks so that there'll be less strain on the leg? Or do we let her do those things and run the risk of more damage sooner?
It's the classic quantity of life vs quality. We're under no illusions, though we'd like to be.
After loads of talks we decided to let her have her fun, and we'll do our best to manage the pain. Hers and ours. The little pills help, though. Yum.
We faced a similar issue with my mother a few years ago. She'd had an episode with her heart and I was there. I called her doctor and Mom got very angry. Told me it was none of my business. That took me back and I struggled with that.
Then I realized she was right. She had all her marbles. She could make informed decisions about her own life. It might not be my choice, but I had to respect hers.
She died six months later, quietly in her sleep. At home. The way she wanted. Too soon for us, but we don't get to choose. Just support.
We're hoping Maggie will tell us when she no longer wants to hop around the pond. But for now, we're all enjoying the beautiful weather and the great late summer.
This is an especially fun time for me since the fifth book is set at exactly this long Labour Day weekend in Three Pines. So I get to see if my descriptions of the weather, the garden, the smells, the sights are accurate.
We're off to North Hatley and lunch with Bernard and Patricia Lemieux. They worked with Michael on the study into Neuroblastoma. His book is about that seminal study and the shocking results. So we'll have lunch then head off to their lab...both Bernie and Pat are medical researchers.
Wednesday, 27 August 2008
Elizabeth
sunny, beautiful day, temps 22
Gorgeous day. But sad news that the good friend of a friend just died. Our friend's name is Elizabeth and after a couple of divorices she spent many years on her own, happily. She's very independent. But in her 60's she met Peter. He was widowed. They clicked, and for the past 6 years have been almost inseparable.
Peter had a stroke late last week and died. He'd played golf that morning.
There'll be a memorial service on Friday in Knowlton, which we'll be going to, of course.
Really, our hearts just break for Elizabeth.
On the home front here, I got my computer all hooked up at home - though while it'll receive emails it won't send them. Most frustrating. Have a call in to the remarkable Nancy, who sorts us out on all things computer.
Have also realized that my schedule for this fall and next winter in becoming nuts. So I'm in the process of cancelling a bunch of things. If it's a personal committment I've made I won't cancel, but other things, yes. This is all part of focussing on priorities.
Michael
Writing
Friends
Promotion
This list bumps around a bit. Michael is always on top - but sometimes friends come before writing and sometimes they don't. It needs to be flexible. And I realize I can't do everything.
Bet that sounds familiar to you!
And I totally know that there really is a season for everything. Sometimes I need to put my head down and totally concentrate on writing. Other times it's promotion.
I just realized I forgot to put me on that list...but I think all those things give me pleasure, so in many ways it's all me. All me, all the time. What a life.
Off to cancel some more travel. And write the September newsletter...which if this computer continues to refuse to send might have a limited readership.
Be well. And kind and loving thoughts to Elizabeth.
Gorgeous day. But sad news that the good friend of a friend just died. Our friend's name is Elizabeth and after a couple of divorices she spent many years on her own, happily. She's very independent. But in her 60's she met Peter. He was widowed. They clicked, and for the past 6 years have been almost inseparable.
Peter had a stroke late last week and died. He'd played golf that morning.
There'll be a memorial service on Friday in Knowlton, which we'll be going to, of course.
Really, our hearts just break for Elizabeth.
On the home front here, I got my computer all hooked up at home - though while it'll receive emails it won't send them. Most frustrating. Have a call in to the remarkable Nancy, who sorts us out on all things computer.
Have also realized that my schedule for this fall and next winter in becoming nuts. So I'm in the process of cancelling a bunch of things. If it's a personal committment I've made I won't cancel, but other things, yes. This is all part of focussing on priorities.
Michael
Writing
Friends
Promotion
This list bumps around a bit. Michael is always on top - but sometimes friends come before writing and sometimes they don't. It needs to be flexible. And I realize I can't do everything.
Bet that sounds familiar to you!
And I totally know that there really is a season for everything. Sometimes I need to put my head down and totally concentrate on writing. Other times it's promotion.
I just realized I forgot to put me on that list...but I think all those things give me pleasure, so in many ways it's all me. All me, all the time. What a life.
Off to cancel some more travel. And write the September newsletter...which if this computer continues to refuse to send might have a limited readership.
Be well. And kind and loving thoughts to Elizabeth.
Tuesday, 26 August 2008
Never mind
sunny, cool, temps 19
Beautiful day - but cooler than usual. We turned the heater off in the pool while we were away and now it's got a long way to make up.
We're actively exploring solar power for the home and perhaps for the pool too. Gary dropped off a 20 page print out - along with season 3 of Saturday Night Live! I watched Steve Martin be a 'wild and k-ray-zee guy' and read all about solar heat. We're also considering thermal heat. Before long we might also have windmills, and be sending strange packages through the mail. I seem to be growing the survivalists beard. I wonder if I get to keep my blueray and cappuccino maker?
Had breakfast in Cowansville this morning, dropped Mackinac Island fudge off at the bookstore for Danny, Lucy and their three boys. Dropped Michael off at home so he could continue writing his book - then headed into the loft/office in Sutton.
We've decided to close the office since we work most of the time from home anyway. That's why Gary's here - building bookshelves.
Brought the desktop computer, printer, and a couple boxes of books from the office. Little by little it comes over. the home looks like a survivalists camp - if what we were trying to survive was an apocalypse of books.
My cold is much better - not a bad one after all. Drugs help. Little yellow pills during the day and little blue ones at night.
Heard from Bouchercon. they've asked me to be on a panel with the wonderful Deborah Crombie and the amazing Rhys Bowen. Just the three of us. Probably Friday afternoon. In a sort of free-form talk - without a central theme. Can't tell you how thrilled I am about that. LOVE their books. And love them. Really fantastic women. Not only gifted mystery writers but wonderful women.
Bouchercon's a huge mystery readers/writers annual convention. It's in a different city each Ocotber. last year it was Anchorage, Alaska - loads of fun. And this year it's Baltimore. Now, I wonder if they'll be doing the whole alphabet? Cleveland next year? Actually, it's Indiannapolis next year, organized by one of the true gentlemen of the mystery community - Jim Hueng.
I'm off - fresh corn to shuck and a Weekend Update to watch. God wasn't Gilda Radner brilliant? Rosanne Rosannadanna - never mind.
Beautiful day - but cooler than usual. We turned the heater off in the pool while we were away and now it's got a long way to make up.
We're actively exploring solar power for the home and perhaps for the pool too. Gary dropped off a 20 page print out - along with season 3 of Saturday Night Live! I watched Steve Martin be a 'wild and k-ray-zee guy' and read all about solar heat. We're also considering thermal heat. Before long we might also have windmills, and be sending strange packages through the mail. I seem to be growing the survivalists beard. I wonder if I get to keep my blueray and cappuccino maker?
Had breakfast in Cowansville this morning, dropped Mackinac Island fudge off at the bookstore for Danny, Lucy and their three boys. Dropped Michael off at home so he could continue writing his book - then headed into the loft/office in Sutton.
We've decided to close the office since we work most of the time from home anyway. That's why Gary's here - building bookshelves.
Brought the desktop computer, printer, and a couple boxes of books from the office. Little by little it comes over. the home looks like a survivalists camp - if what we were trying to survive was an apocalypse of books.
My cold is much better - not a bad one after all. Drugs help. Little yellow pills during the day and little blue ones at night.
Heard from Bouchercon. they've asked me to be on a panel with the wonderful Deborah Crombie and the amazing Rhys Bowen. Just the three of us. Probably Friday afternoon. In a sort of free-form talk - without a central theme. Can't tell you how thrilled I am about that. LOVE their books. And love them. Really fantastic women. Not only gifted mystery writers but wonderful women.
Bouchercon's a huge mystery readers/writers annual convention. It's in a different city each Ocotber. last year it was Anchorage, Alaska - loads of fun. And this year it's Baltimore. Now, I wonder if they'll be doing the whole alphabet? Cleveland next year? Actually, it's Indiannapolis next year, organized by one of the true gentlemen of the mystery community - Jim Hueng.
I'm off - fresh corn to shuck and a Weekend Update to watch. God wasn't Gilda Radner brilliant? Rosanne Rosannadanna - never mind.
Monday, 25 August 2008
Home
cloudy, temps 20
We're hoooome!
Wow did we ever have a great time on Mackinac Island! But it's good to be home. And with nothing to do except a luncheon on Thursday with friends for Michael to research his book. Looking forward to that. Looking forward to making Michael the centre of attention.
Long day yesterday. I tend to break days like that into segments in my mind. yesterday was in 9 sections. The horse-drawn carriage to the ferry. The ferry to Mackinaw City. The 2 hour limo drive to Traverse City. Getting through airport security. The American Eagle flight (45 minutes) to Chicago. The 2 1/2 hr layover in Chicago (happily spent in the first class lounge, a by-product of the around-the-world flights on BA last year), the 2 hr flight to Montreal. Canadian security, taxi home.
That way I just live in each segment and the day doesn't seem too long. As someone who's goal-oriented this approach seems to work. The day 'speeds' along.
Have figured out the Mackinac - Mackinaw issue. The island, with the hotel, is spelled 'Mackinac' but pronounced 'Mackinaw'. The city across the bay is pronouned and spelled 'Mackinaw'. Don't know why the difference.
Finally finished section 9 last night at 10pm. Got into the Montreal apartment. But everything went very smoothly - thanks once again to Robin Agnew's family. They'd arranged for us to fly from the island straight to Traverse City airport. 40 minute flight would have saved us 3 hours of ground/water travel. But scaredy-cat here decided I didn't want to get back onto the small plane. So they re-arranged everything. Without a murmur, without mocking.
A relief to be around people who are kind, not sarcastic. I was and am most grateful.
This morning we didn't set the alarm, but got up whenever, then went for breakfast in Montreal. Michael had a lunch with his great friend David and I went back to the apartment and cleaned up a few things. Then we drove back down here.
God, does it ever feel amazing not to have to edit or write book 5! Am taking the week off. Will read a hard copy of the manuscript during the week or so we're in England. We travel late next week.
Until then I'm on vacation. I'm very good at working hard, and very, very good at doing nothing. Watch me.
This blog, by the way, is going to get extremely boring over the next week. Consider it valium.
We're hoooome!
Wow did we ever have a great time on Mackinac Island! But it's good to be home. And with nothing to do except a luncheon on Thursday with friends for Michael to research his book. Looking forward to that. Looking forward to making Michael the centre of attention.
Long day yesterday. I tend to break days like that into segments in my mind. yesterday was in 9 sections. The horse-drawn carriage to the ferry. The ferry to Mackinaw City. The 2 hour limo drive to Traverse City. Getting through airport security. The American Eagle flight (45 minutes) to Chicago. The 2 1/2 hr layover in Chicago (happily spent in the first class lounge, a by-product of the around-the-world flights on BA last year), the 2 hr flight to Montreal. Canadian security, taxi home.
That way I just live in each segment and the day doesn't seem too long. As someone who's goal-oriented this approach seems to work. The day 'speeds' along.
Have figured out the Mackinac - Mackinaw issue. The island, with the hotel, is spelled 'Mackinac' but pronounced 'Mackinaw'. The city across the bay is pronouned and spelled 'Mackinaw'. Don't know why the difference.
Finally finished section 9 last night at 10pm. Got into the Montreal apartment. But everything went very smoothly - thanks once again to Robin Agnew's family. They'd arranged for us to fly from the island straight to Traverse City airport. 40 minute flight would have saved us 3 hours of ground/water travel. But scaredy-cat here decided I didn't want to get back onto the small plane. So they re-arranged everything. Without a murmur, without mocking.
A relief to be around people who are kind, not sarcastic. I was and am most grateful.
This morning we didn't set the alarm, but got up whenever, then went for breakfast in Montreal. Michael had a lunch with his great friend David and I went back to the apartment and cleaned up a few things. Then we drove back down here.
God, does it ever feel amazing not to have to edit or write book 5! Am taking the week off. Will read a hard copy of the manuscript during the week or so we're in England. We travel late next week.
Until then I'm on vacation. I'm very good at working hard, and very, very good at doing nothing. Watch me.
This blog, by the way, is going to get extremely boring over the next week. Consider it valium.
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