stunningly beautiful day - not a cloud, hot, temps 27
Went swimming this morning, and hoping to go again in a few minutes. Yummy day. Just glorious. Signed and drove to Richford, Vermont to mail a few books. Did some food shopping. Then home for the swim, and to do the Kirkus review questions on the audio book of BURY YOUR DEAD. Kirkus (a prestiguous US literary magazine gave the book a starred review and has declared the audio book an october hot read - thanks to Ralph Cosham who does the narration - brilliantly).
Then went out - only to return to hear I'd missed the phone call for the interview for Le Voix de l'est - newspaper.
ooops.
I thought the interview was for 4pm. Seems it was for 2pm. I know where I made my mistake. the difference between 4pm and 1400 hrs. They said quatorze heures and I heard quatre heures. The French here use the 24 hour clock - the English use the am/pm clock.
Either way, I was wrong. So I called her up and fortunately, no harm done.
Thank's to Michael's son, Victor, who just spent almost a week with us, we are now starting the day with fruit smoothies. Vic showed us how, and we now do bananas, blueberries, strawberries and soy milk. Fabulous.
Michael got up at 5am a few mornings ago (0500hrs) to look at Mars. Apparently it will not be this bright again for 5,000 years - so seemed worth the effort. But he had a difficult decision...wake me up, or let me sleep. He knows me. He let me sleep. Especailly since I was in the final throes of finishing the fourth draft and he knows how precious sleep is for that (and for peace in our home).
But last night he came in about 10 pm with the binoculars and said, 'I'd like to invite you to Mars' - so off we went to the upper balcony, and there was Mars - brilliant in the night sky.
Amazing life.
Monday, 30 August 2010
Sunday, 29 August 2010
Finished - again
beautiful, sunny day, warm and humid - temps 26
Stunning day! And wonderful news. I finally finished the fourth draft. Thought for sure this would be the book that kills me. Not because there's anything wrong with the book - I hope! But because of all the other things in my life.
Have pledge to say 'no thank you' to everything next summer. And just have two quiet months, Michael and me alone in Sutton. It's gotten to the point where days when all I have to do is write feel like vacation.
Like today. Had 20 pages to complete and took me all day. Sometimes the fine-tuning is like that. I can stare at a sentence for half an hour wondering why it just isn't right. And then taking it out changes everything around it and so that needs fixing - and made better. There's just a whole lot of very, very delicate work.
But also took a day away from it last week. Michael and I went with our friend Susan to Shelburne, Vermont. Stayed Thursday night at the Shelburne Inn - which is on a spit of land jutting into Lake Champlain. Fabulous home build by one of the Vanderbilt daughters. Huge - but apparently considered something of a shack compared to the homes of other robber barons that were built on long island etc. They were considered quite strange to come to Vermont.
But the home has been preserved - furniture saved - and so staying there is like getting into the time machine and stepping out a glorious Vanderbilt in the late 1800's. Except - there's running water and electricity. But - no air conditioning or heating. So the Inn is closed from Oct. to May.
It's in a 400 acre farm - that produces cheese and meat and vegetables. And that was why we were there...to take part in a Vermont Farm Fresh dinner thursday night.
To say it was magical would be to sell it short. We arrived at about ten to six for the six o'clock dinner. Parked the car outside the huge barn, expecting to be show to tables inside. But instead, we were shown up a path through a field, and up a hill. To a plateau. There, long tables had been set with white linens, silverware, glasses. flowers. A beehive oven was making bread. A bar had been set up and young men and women in livery were serving.
Now this was like stepping into a film set, without the annoyance of anyone shouting 'Cut!'
We chose a table at random, got a drink, and then it was time to eat. Course after fresh course. Salads, casseroles, free range beef wrapped in cabbage, all different ways to do summer and winter squash. And two young women who'd grown the vegetables and harvested them, were there, talking about it.
And from the field, as the sun set, we looked out across the farm, to the Green Mountains in the distance. Candles were lit. Dessert came. Tiny cupcakes made of fruits and beets, with whipped icing.
And then we followed the lamps back down the path, to our cars. Knowing we hadn't had just a meal - but a memory.
Next morning we got up, wandered the grounds of the Inn - had a magnificent breakfast. Sat in adirondack chairs by the lake. Then drove home. Amazed, yet again, at our good fortune and dumb luck, to live here.
I haven't blogged, as you might have noticed, for a few days. Life too hectic - have been focussing on getting the edit done. Some more smoothing still before I'll print it out - but it's all there. Just a small thought here - a clarification there.
Had a lovely, big article in La Presse yesterday on the French version of Still Life, called En plein coeur. And nice mention in Le Devoir as well. Have an interview tomorrow afternoon with the newspaper La Voix de L'est, and a TV interview, taping at Hovey Manor (more suffering, I'm afraid) - with Radio Canada Television - on Tuesday. Then off to Toronto for an event at the Canadian national Exhibition on Thursday night with Linwood Barclay. He's terrific - wonderful writer and lovely person. Then home Friday. Doug and the kids are coming for the long Labour Day weekend.
Oh, and I still need to write the Sept Newsletter. Yikes. Gotta run. Hope you've been well. Speak soon!
Stunning day! And wonderful news. I finally finished the fourth draft. Thought for sure this would be the book that kills me. Not because there's anything wrong with the book - I hope! But because of all the other things in my life.
Have pledge to say 'no thank you' to everything next summer. And just have two quiet months, Michael and me alone in Sutton. It's gotten to the point where days when all I have to do is write feel like vacation.
Like today. Had 20 pages to complete and took me all day. Sometimes the fine-tuning is like that. I can stare at a sentence for half an hour wondering why it just isn't right. And then taking it out changes everything around it and so that needs fixing - and made better. There's just a whole lot of very, very delicate work.
But also took a day away from it last week. Michael and I went with our friend Susan to Shelburne, Vermont. Stayed Thursday night at the Shelburne Inn - which is on a spit of land jutting into Lake Champlain. Fabulous home build by one of the Vanderbilt daughters. Huge - but apparently considered something of a shack compared to the homes of other robber barons that were built on long island etc. They were considered quite strange to come to Vermont.
But the home has been preserved - furniture saved - and so staying there is like getting into the time machine and stepping out a glorious Vanderbilt in the late 1800's. Except - there's running water and electricity. But - no air conditioning or heating. So the Inn is closed from Oct. to May.
It's in a 400 acre farm - that produces cheese and meat and vegetables. And that was why we were there...to take part in a Vermont Farm Fresh dinner thursday night.
To say it was magical would be to sell it short. We arrived at about ten to six for the six o'clock dinner. Parked the car outside the huge barn, expecting to be show to tables inside. But instead, we were shown up a path through a field, and up a hill. To a plateau. There, long tables had been set with white linens, silverware, glasses. flowers. A beehive oven was making bread. A bar had been set up and young men and women in livery were serving.
Now this was like stepping into a film set, without the annoyance of anyone shouting 'Cut!'
We chose a table at random, got a drink, and then it was time to eat. Course after fresh course. Salads, casseroles, free range beef wrapped in cabbage, all different ways to do summer and winter squash. And two young women who'd grown the vegetables and harvested them, were there, talking about it.
And from the field, as the sun set, we looked out across the farm, to the Green Mountains in the distance. Candles were lit. Dessert came. Tiny cupcakes made of fruits and beets, with whipped icing.
And then we followed the lamps back down the path, to our cars. Knowing we hadn't had just a meal - but a memory.
Next morning we got up, wandered the grounds of the Inn - had a magnificent breakfast. Sat in adirondack chairs by the lake. Then drove home. Amazed, yet again, at our good fortune and dumb luck, to live here.
I haven't blogged, as you might have noticed, for a few days. Life too hectic - have been focussing on getting the edit done. Some more smoothing still before I'll print it out - but it's all there. Just a small thought here - a clarification there.
Had a lovely, big article in La Presse yesterday on the French version of Still Life, called En plein coeur. And nice mention in Le Devoir as well. Have an interview tomorrow afternoon with the newspaper La Voix de L'est, and a TV interview, taping at Hovey Manor (more suffering, I'm afraid) - with Radio Canada Television - on Tuesday. Then off to Toronto for an event at the Canadian national Exhibition on Thursday night with Linwood Barclay. He's terrific - wonderful writer and lovely person. Then home Friday. Doug and the kids are coming for the long Labour Day weekend.
Oh, and I still need to write the Sept Newsletter. Yikes. Gotta run. Hope you've been well. Speak soon!
Wednesday, 25 August 2010
huge vacuums
rainy, cool temps 22
Thank you for all your supportive comments - limping toward 'the end'...hoping to finish this fourth draft by Sunday. Then will write the September newsletter on Monday.
But I must tell you about the launch of En plein coeur...well, not really a launch since it doesn't actually come out until Sept 2nd. but this was an intimate lunch for the books editor at La Presse, and a book reviewer at Voir. Simone, the publicist was there, as were Louise Loiselle, the publisher at Flammarion Quebec, and Michael Saint-Germain - the translator. The good news is that the editor at La Presse really liked the book! The other woman hadn't had the chance to read it all, but was enthusiastic.
Can't tell you what a relief that was. And the food was spectacular. Restaurant called Le Local. Highly recommended - though very hard to find. It's on rue William in Montreal. Susan and I had once again practiced, and realized I'd said, at one point, that I had very big vacuums. What I'd meant to say was I have large aspirations.
Aspirations. Aspirateurs. French - a language of nuance.
Tried not to repeat that over lunch. We chatted away in both French and english, often switiching in mid-sentence. Some days my french is good, many days it's very bad. But not as bad as my Italian.
I remember when Michael and I arrived at the airport in Venice several years ago, while he organized the luggage I went in search of the vaporetto (sp?) - the water taxi's - that would take us to our hotel on the Grand Canal. I found the desk, went over to them, opened my mouth, and only then did I realize I don't speak Italian.
you'd think, maybe, I'd have known that a little earlier - but it actually came as a surprise.
I also remember doing an interview on CBC Radio - live on air - one of my first. I was asking one of the Vietnamese boat people - back in the early 80's - about his experiences.
'Tell me what it was like leaving your home?' I asked.
'87' he said.
I paused.
'What was the journey like?' I asked, slowly, clearly. Loudly.
'87,' he said.
I was faced with a choice. either come up with a series of questions whose answer was '87' (What comes after 86?), or saying 'Thank you, and goodbye.' I said goodbye.
I've often wondered if that man realized he didn't speak English. And why he'd ever agree to do an interivew in a language he obviously did not speak.
Now, as I face a raft of interviews in French, I'm beginning to understand how this sort of thing happens. Wishful thinking and the inestimable power of delusion.
After the lunch Michael and I jumped in the car and headed to Granby to see jacques and Louise. We wanted to be careful not to exhaust Jacques, but we ended up staying an hour and a half. And he and Louise continue to amaze us. He's no longer eating or drinking. slivers of ice is all he can manage. It is in other hands than ours, or his. Louise continues to be gracious and open. But it's exhausting.
Then home about 7pm...took peanut butter sandwiches up to bed. Asleep by 8:30. The thrilling life of a writer!!
Spending today in sweats in front of the fireplace, editing...juggling scenes...writing a few new ones...as I read the hardcopy manuscript I realized I needed to switch the location of a scene and add a character - which of course reverberates through the rest of the scenes. So that takes time. Hope to get to page 180 today. 200 tomorrow - heading off at noon to drive to Shelburne Farms Inn, south of Burlington, Vermont. Susan, Michael and I are taking part in the framers dinner tomorrow night. They're holding it in the barn onsite. Then we're all staying the night at the Inn, and going to the Ansel Adams exhibit at the Shelburne Museum on Friday. Home early afternoon.
Really looking forward to that! A late summer treat. Speak soon - and hope all your vacuums are met.
Thank you for all your supportive comments - limping toward 'the end'...hoping to finish this fourth draft by Sunday. Then will write the September newsletter on Monday.
But I must tell you about the launch of En plein coeur...well, not really a launch since it doesn't actually come out until Sept 2nd. but this was an intimate lunch for the books editor at La Presse, and a book reviewer at Voir. Simone, the publicist was there, as were Louise Loiselle, the publisher at Flammarion Quebec, and Michael Saint-Germain - the translator. The good news is that the editor at La Presse really liked the book! The other woman hadn't had the chance to read it all, but was enthusiastic.
Can't tell you what a relief that was. And the food was spectacular. Restaurant called Le Local. Highly recommended - though very hard to find. It's on rue William in Montreal. Susan and I had once again practiced, and realized I'd said, at one point, that I had very big vacuums. What I'd meant to say was I have large aspirations.
Aspirations. Aspirateurs. French - a language of nuance.
Tried not to repeat that over lunch. We chatted away in both French and english, often switiching in mid-sentence. Some days my french is good, many days it's very bad. But not as bad as my Italian.
I remember when Michael and I arrived at the airport in Venice several years ago, while he organized the luggage I went in search of the vaporetto (sp?) - the water taxi's - that would take us to our hotel on the Grand Canal. I found the desk, went over to them, opened my mouth, and only then did I realize I don't speak Italian.
you'd think, maybe, I'd have known that a little earlier - but it actually came as a surprise.
I also remember doing an interview on CBC Radio - live on air - one of my first. I was asking one of the Vietnamese boat people - back in the early 80's - about his experiences.
'Tell me what it was like leaving your home?' I asked.
'87' he said.
I paused.
'What was the journey like?' I asked, slowly, clearly. Loudly.
'87,' he said.
I was faced with a choice. either come up with a series of questions whose answer was '87' (What comes after 86?), or saying 'Thank you, and goodbye.' I said goodbye.
I've often wondered if that man realized he didn't speak English. And why he'd ever agree to do an interivew in a language he obviously did not speak.
Now, as I face a raft of interviews in French, I'm beginning to understand how this sort of thing happens. Wishful thinking and the inestimable power of delusion.
After the lunch Michael and I jumped in the car and headed to Granby to see jacques and Louise. We wanted to be careful not to exhaust Jacques, but we ended up staying an hour and a half. And he and Louise continue to amaze us. He's no longer eating or drinking. slivers of ice is all he can manage. It is in other hands than ours, or his. Louise continues to be gracious and open. But it's exhausting.
Then home about 7pm...took peanut butter sandwiches up to bed. Asleep by 8:30. The thrilling life of a writer!!
Spending today in sweats in front of the fireplace, editing...juggling scenes...writing a few new ones...as I read the hardcopy manuscript I realized I needed to switch the location of a scene and add a character - which of course reverberates through the rest of the scenes. So that takes time. Hope to get to page 180 today. 200 tomorrow - heading off at noon to drive to Shelburne Farms Inn, south of Burlington, Vermont. Susan, Michael and I are taking part in the framers dinner tomorrow night. They're holding it in the barn onsite. Then we're all staying the night at the Inn, and going to the Ansel Adams exhibit at the Shelburne Museum on Friday. Home early afternoon.
Really looking forward to that! A late summer treat. Speak soon - and hope all your vacuums are met.
Monday, 23 August 2010
back!
sunny, mild, temps 23
Sitting by the pool with Michael and Victor - they're swimming and I'm...not. I just came out from sitting in front of the fireplace. It seems the guys and I are living in different seasons. They're still in summer and I've slipped in to autumn. I'm even in sweats. Still, it's lovely sitting out here.
Haven't blogged for a few days...hectic. Saturday was very busy...drove out, met Susan for breakfast, then drove to Knowlton for the SPCA day. I had two dogs - Daisy and Enya. Daisy is the dog on the left and Enya's on the right. both older, both up for fostering rather than adoption...which basically meant instead of the 280 dollar adoption fee they'd be free, since the spca just wants them to find a nice home to end their lives.
I was thrilled when our friend Hope adopted Daisy! But sadly Enya didn't find a home. In fact, not many did. Last year the spca brought 22 dogs and adopted 17. This year they brought 25 and only found homes for 3. It was a little rainy, so that probably stopped people from coming out.
I have to say, I almost decided to foster Enya, but considering our schedule I realized we'd be away off and on for a while and it wouldn't be fair on her, or Pat and Tony. Or Trudy. Both dogs would need more stability. But it breaks the heart to see all the dogs getting back on the truck. Happily they have a great home at the spca Monteregie in the country.
then off to visit friends - and after that Michael, Victor and I went to the cottage for a late dinner with susan and her friend Liz. Excellent bbq - and lemon posset. yum yum.
sunday was supposed to be just writing but ended up being a whole lot of other stuff too...getting quite stressed. I was saying to my brother Doug that I'm now like a miser, but instead of counting money I pour over my agenda, looking for free days, half days, days when I can just edit. And, God willing, maybe a few days between the fourth draft and the beginning of the tour.
Today loads of visitors - but good stuff. Editing. Influx, infestation almost, of mice. poor things. Furnace cleaner came. Editing. Pat and tony dropped by to show us their terrific new truck. Editing. Susan and Liz coming in about an hour for dinner. bbq. easy. Still have five more pages to edit before then. off to montreal tomorrow for press launch of En plein coeur - at a great restaurant in Old Montreal. Then some interviews, in French - then home, via Granby to visit Jacques and Louise in hospital.
Hoping to get more editing done Wednesday. I sometimes feel quite stressed....and have to take a step back and realize even if this book isn't finished, it's not the end of the world. the end of the world looks quite different than an unfinished manuscript, and sitting by the pool.
I need to remember that.
Be well - will blog again when I get the chance...but I do think of you through the day. Please keep speading the word about Bury Your Dead. I'd LOVE for this book to do well! thank you.
Friday, 20 August 2010
Merde - in a good way
sunny, cool, temps 22
Lovely day - set alarm for 6:30 - made cafe au lait - and sat down to edit...got to page 70 of draft 4. Surprised how much I'm liking this book - and this part of the process. Also surprised how many small, but now apparently important, changes I'm making. Not to whodunit - but more fleshing out the themes and intertwining them. Love this stage, as long as the rest of the story and the characters are strong.
Worked until noon - then called Susan for a French refresher. Then got dressed...was going to wear a white skirt and blue blouse - but then realized this was going to be taped and played in late september...best not to look too summery. So I scoured the clothes I had in Montreal and found a tweed blazer, and quite nice scarf, a top and some appropriate jewelry. So that worked out.
Then left...decided to give it an hour to walk across the city. Lovely day, and walking clears the head...I can think, or not. Practice my French. So I mumbled my way across this fine city. But needed to cab the final few blocks since it was a little further than I thought. And while the tweed was good for a while, with vigorous walking it did get a little hot. Thought it would be a shame to have 'perfected' my French only to be all red and sweaty in the interview.
Arrived in good time - was shown through these labyrinthine passages at TVA until we finally arrived at the studio. The make-up woman was lovely. English. Though we had strick instructions to practice French, as soon as the door closed we yakked away in English. Though it would have hardly been the first time I'd have carried on a conversation in French with someone only to realize at the end that they were English too.
then it was time for the interview. These people at Le Livres Show are wonderful. Having been a host on CBC Radio for many years I can spot people who are pros - and who genuinely care...and those who are neither. Marie-Josee, and Josee the host were very comforting - really worked to make me, and the other guest Anne, at ease.
And it did go well!! Of course, they didn't ask any of the questions Susan and I prepared...but all that practice helped a lot.
I'm always afraid I look like a moron...but we'll see. Lots of people will see! It will be played quite a few times in September, and I'll put a link up when I can.
Thank you for all your moral support.
Getting up at 6 tomorrow...heading to Sutton - breakfast with Susan in Sutton then doing the farmers market - then off to Knowlton for the SPCA day.
Spending Sunday and Monday writing...ahhh. Can hardly wait. Two days to do nothing other than write. heaven.
Lovely day - set alarm for 6:30 - made cafe au lait - and sat down to edit...got to page 70 of draft 4. Surprised how much I'm liking this book - and this part of the process. Also surprised how many small, but now apparently important, changes I'm making. Not to whodunit - but more fleshing out the themes and intertwining them. Love this stage, as long as the rest of the story and the characters are strong.
Worked until noon - then called Susan for a French refresher. Then got dressed...was going to wear a white skirt and blue blouse - but then realized this was going to be taped and played in late september...best not to look too summery. So I scoured the clothes I had in Montreal and found a tweed blazer, and quite nice scarf, a top and some appropriate jewelry. So that worked out.
Then left...decided to give it an hour to walk across the city. Lovely day, and walking clears the head...I can think, or not. Practice my French. So I mumbled my way across this fine city. But needed to cab the final few blocks since it was a little further than I thought. And while the tweed was good for a while, with vigorous walking it did get a little hot. Thought it would be a shame to have 'perfected' my French only to be all red and sweaty in the interview.
Arrived in good time - was shown through these labyrinthine passages at TVA until we finally arrived at the studio. The make-up woman was lovely. English. Though we had strick instructions to practice French, as soon as the door closed we yakked away in English. Though it would have hardly been the first time I'd have carried on a conversation in French with someone only to realize at the end that they were English too.
then it was time for the interview. These people at Le Livres Show are wonderful. Having been a host on CBC Radio for many years I can spot people who are pros - and who genuinely care...and those who are neither. Marie-Josee, and Josee the host were very comforting - really worked to make me, and the other guest Anne, at ease.
And it did go well!! Of course, they didn't ask any of the questions Susan and I prepared...but all that practice helped a lot.
I'm always afraid I look like a moron...but we'll see. Lots of people will see! It will be played quite a few times in September, and I'll put a link up when I can.
Thank you for all your moral support.
Getting up at 6 tomorrow...heading to Sutton - breakfast with Susan in Sutton then doing the farmers market - then off to Knowlton for the SPCA day.
Spending Sunday and Monday writing...ahhh. Can hardly wait. Two days to do nothing other than write. heaven.
Thursday, 19 August 2010
Montreal
mainly sunny, mild, temps 24
Lovely easy drive in to Montreal. Spent the day editing - fourth draft. Got to page 37 - quit about 5:30. Too tired really to enjoy it and have any judgment left.
Had the most wonderful dinner at the cottage with Susan last night. Chicken and pork on the barbeque (just corrected a typo where I initially wrote children and pork on the bbq - oh oh). And two fabulous salads, one with watermelon, parsley, spanish onions, olives, feta cheese. Unbelievably good. the other was a yummy quinoa and cranberry salad.
In this latest book, set in June, I have Gamache eating a quinoa and mango salad. Seemed like a good combo. Must use the watermelon one too. Lovely fresh fruit salad for dessert.
have the French TV interview tomorrow. Susan was wonderful, helping me practice. Wonderful to have a quiet day here, to just concentrate on writing. Am really loving this book...at the smoothing out stage now. Love this stage. less terrifying. While we were away a few scenes and adjustments occurred to me, so the manuscript is littered with notes.
Tomorrow will write in the morning, try to get my hair done around noon, get to the TV studio for make-up at 2pm. I always feel like a cartoon character in TV make-up. Will probably sound like one too. Wilma Flintstone - or, in French - Wilma Pierrefou.
Susan told us the Champlain bridge will be down from 3 lanes going south out of the city, to one lane this weekend. Construction! Have to decide whether to drive out in rush hour after the interview or stay over anyway and get up early Saturday and risk hitting terrible traffic over the bridge. I go back and forth on the decision. Need to be in Knowlton for the SPCA adoption day by 11 am. Still, I'm leaning toward staying over...but will see.
Michael stayed in the country...his son Vic is coming for a week or so, so this gives them a few days on their own. Always nice.
Hope you're enjoying your week. Will let you know how the interview goes...light a candle!
Lovely easy drive in to Montreal. Spent the day editing - fourth draft. Got to page 37 - quit about 5:30. Too tired really to enjoy it and have any judgment left.
Had the most wonderful dinner at the cottage with Susan last night. Chicken and pork on the barbeque (just corrected a typo where I initially wrote children and pork on the bbq - oh oh). And two fabulous salads, one with watermelon, parsley, spanish onions, olives, feta cheese. Unbelievably good. the other was a yummy quinoa and cranberry salad.
In this latest book, set in June, I have Gamache eating a quinoa and mango salad. Seemed like a good combo. Must use the watermelon one too. Lovely fresh fruit salad for dessert.
have the French TV interview tomorrow. Susan was wonderful, helping me practice. Wonderful to have a quiet day here, to just concentrate on writing. Am really loving this book...at the smoothing out stage now. Love this stage. less terrifying. While we were away a few scenes and adjustments occurred to me, so the manuscript is littered with notes.
Tomorrow will write in the morning, try to get my hair done around noon, get to the TV studio for make-up at 2pm. I always feel like a cartoon character in TV make-up. Will probably sound like one too. Wilma Flintstone - or, in French - Wilma Pierrefou.
Susan told us the Champlain bridge will be down from 3 lanes going south out of the city, to one lane this weekend. Construction! Have to decide whether to drive out in rush hour after the interview or stay over anyway and get up early Saturday and risk hitting terrible traffic over the bridge. I go back and forth on the decision. Need to be in Knowlton for the SPCA adoption day by 11 am. Still, I'm leaning toward staying over...but will see.
Michael stayed in the country...his son Vic is coming for a week or so, so this gives them a few days on their own. Always nice.
Hope you're enjoying your week. Will let you know how the interview goes...light a candle!
Tuesday, 17 August 2010
Fourth Draft
overcast, bit threatening, temps 24
Not sure what to wear today...started in sweats, moved to flannel, then to half and half. Woe is me.
Lovely quiet day, reading the manuscript. Up to page 197 of 244. Was hoping to be finished by now, but had some phone calls and an interview to do. have a French TV interview on Friday, so was chatting with the publicist about that. The general message seemed to be, 'Don't merde it up.'
'I will do my bookshelf,' I told her in French. 'And will manufacture to wallpaper leave.'
'Merde,' she said.
So, I'm pretty confident.
Read out on the screen porch, sipping cafe au lait and eating fresh peaches. More woe. Plodded around the pond with Trudy, where we looked for geese and bass, but found mosquitoes and poop instead - so all was not wasted.
tons of emails, of course. The fall tour is taking shape. looks like I'm leaving here Sept 20th and returning sometime in late November. All over Canada, the US and off to Britain. then over Canada and US again. So I really need to finish this manuscript before I leave in Sept.
But am taking Saturday off from the manuscript to volunteer at the SPCA adoption day in Knowlton. It's for the dogs at the SPCA Monteregie, the local no-kill shelter. I'll be one of the 20 dog-walkers. From 11am to 3pm. the hope, obviously, is to find homes for some of these dogs. We're sort of thinking of finding a brother or sister for Trudy...an older dog, perhaps. It's hard because we have such a great relationship with Trudy - it's very different having just one dog...we really focus on her and have a quite special relationship. But we also know that Trudy's a very social dog, who loves other animals. so we think while she's happy, she might be happier with a sibling. But it would have to be a very special dog. We'll know her/him when we see her/him.
I think I'm a little more enthusiastic about another dog than Michael is. He loves just having Trudy. So we're in no rush. Have to wear Michael down. That can take a while.
Off tomorrow morning for breakfast in Cowansville then visiting Jacques and Louise about 9am. Then home to work, then off to dinner with susan at the guest cottage.
had great fun with susan yesterday. She came for a swim, then relaxed dinner of barbequed corn on the cob and burgers...Susan (who's a great cook) showed us how to do Mexican corn....barbeque it, slather with butter, then sprinkle cheese like parmesan, and cayenne pepper...and finally squirt lime on it.
Delicious.
Susan also made this wonderful lemon custard sort of dessert, with raspberries and peaches and whipped cream.
Oh, oh - now I'm hungry again.
Speak to you tomorrow.
Not sure what to wear today...started in sweats, moved to flannel, then to half and half. Woe is me.
Lovely quiet day, reading the manuscript. Up to page 197 of 244. Was hoping to be finished by now, but had some phone calls and an interview to do. have a French TV interview on Friday, so was chatting with the publicist about that. The general message seemed to be, 'Don't merde it up.'
'I will do my bookshelf,' I told her in French. 'And will manufacture to wallpaper leave.'
'Merde,' she said.
So, I'm pretty confident.
Read out on the screen porch, sipping cafe au lait and eating fresh peaches. More woe. Plodded around the pond with Trudy, where we looked for geese and bass, but found mosquitoes and poop instead - so all was not wasted.
tons of emails, of course. The fall tour is taking shape. looks like I'm leaving here Sept 20th and returning sometime in late November. All over Canada, the US and off to Britain. then over Canada and US again. So I really need to finish this manuscript before I leave in Sept.
But am taking Saturday off from the manuscript to volunteer at the SPCA adoption day in Knowlton. It's for the dogs at the SPCA Monteregie, the local no-kill shelter. I'll be one of the 20 dog-walkers. From 11am to 3pm. the hope, obviously, is to find homes for some of these dogs. We're sort of thinking of finding a brother or sister for Trudy...an older dog, perhaps. It's hard because we have such a great relationship with Trudy - it's very different having just one dog...we really focus on her and have a quite special relationship. But we also know that Trudy's a very social dog, who loves other animals. so we think while she's happy, she might be happier with a sibling. But it would have to be a very special dog. We'll know her/him when we see her/him.
I think I'm a little more enthusiastic about another dog than Michael is. He loves just having Trudy. So we're in no rush. Have to wear Michael down. That can take a while.
Off tomorrow morning for breakfast in Cowansville then visiting Jacques and Louise about 9am. Then home to work, then off to dinner with susan at the guest cottage.
had great fun with susan yesterday. She came for a swim, then relaxed dinner of barbequed corn on the cob and burgers...Susan (who's a great cook) showed us how to do Mexican corn....barbeque it, slather with butter, then sprinkle cheese like parmesan, and cayenne pepper...and finally squirt lime on it.
Delicious.
Susan also made this wonderful lemon custard sort of dessert, with raspberries and peaches and whipped cream.
Oh, oh - now I'm hungry again.
Speak to you tomorrow.
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