LUCY BURDETTE: We're in the dead of winter, which those of you in the path of that storm know too well. How are you keeping yourself from going crazy? Our friend Edith Maxwell aka Maddie Day has some ideas...
EDITH MAXWELL: Thanks for inviting me over to fill in some of everybody’s mid-winter slog, Lucy.
I’m not only trudging along mid-winter – and it’s been a damn cold one in my northeastern corner of Massachusetts – I’m also in a long gap between book release days. Murder at Cape Costumers released in late August, and A Poisonous Pour won’t be out until late April. I know many authors have one book birthday per year (or less often, ahem, Debs and Julia, making their readers suffer patiently). Me? I channel Jenn. For the last decade I’ve written and had published at least three books a year.
Is the gap because my sales are slumping? Does my publisher hate me? No to both. But, as regular readers of the comments here know, I now have TWO adorable grandbabies. I’m not a spring chicken, and I didn’t want to be too busy to hang out with them while I’m still here, so I ended one of my three series. (Sorry, Jay!)
Anyway, at a time like this, dual questions arise. How do I stay in touch with readers between releases? How do I stay healthy and lively and interested in life when it’s too cold and icy to venture outside, and when the world seems about to explode? Following are my top ten (or so) solutions for both issues, in a purposely mixed-up order:
10. Writing. Working on my books is one thing I hope I will not abandon for many years to come. Crafting and polishing stories is what keeps me going, morning after morning. It keeps my brain sharp (as much as is possible) and my imagination honed. The royalty checks are lovely, too.
9. Walking. If I don’t get my 10k-plus steps in after my morning writing every day, I don’t feel right. What about when it’s too icy outside? I walk fast laps in my long kitchen-dining-sitting room, listening to the radio or a good podcast.
8. Dreaming. I cheer myself by paging through the Johnny’s Selected Seeds catalog, dreaming about when the snow is gone and I can plant greens and peas and everything else. Speaking of growing things, a cluster of paperwhite bulbs are blooming in a glass bowl right now. The growth and scent are lovely.
7. Cooking. Cold weather is perfect for cooking up stews, curries, loaves of bread, and cakes. My Hugh, who prefers not to cook if he can help it, is supportive of my cooking habit. And being part of an author-chef group blog, Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen, along with Lucy, means I’m obliged to come up with an original recipe twice a month. Triple purpose – feed myself and Hugh, survive the winter blahs, AND stay in touch with readers.
6. Protesting. Every Saturday at noon, kindred spirits in my small city of Amesbury hold a standout for democracy in the town square. I’m there with my sign every week I’m in town. Forgive me this foray into real life, but if our democracy doesn’t stand, I won’t be able to do any of the other things I love. (Photo courtesy of Christine Green)
5. Planning fun travel. I’m organizing my plans for Left Coast Crime in San Francisco in a few weeks, which will include a visit with dear family for a couple of days beforehand. I’m also planning an Author-Reader Connection field trip to a wine bar! I’m looking forward to a Kensington Cozy Con in Connecticut on March 14, with an event at the Groveland, MA public library the afternoon before.
The end of April brings Malice Domestic. This year my slightly evil tale, “When the Iron is Hot,” is nominated for an Agatha Award for Best Short Story! Fingers crossed, my friends – it’s my ninth Agatha nomination, four of which have been for short stories. In other travel plans, I always look forward to my spring solo retreat on Cape Cod a couple of weeks after Malice, followed by who knows what in the summer, and the Calgary Boucheron in the fall. I know planning the future takes me out of the moment, but when winter is long and frigid, that’s just fine. And there’s nothing like an award nomination to warm us up – right, Hank?
4. Puzzles. All kinds of puzzles get me through to the next release and warmer weather. I do Wordle every morning, then compare notes with Hugh when I come downstairs for my second coffee. I always listen to the NPR Sunday morning puzzle and its weekly challenge, which half the time is too hard for me and the other half I’m one of 1,693 who sent in correct answers (but I’m determined to get randomly selected and on the air one of these years). I read the Boston Globe “May I have a Word?” biweekly column and try to send in entries for the word challenge. Hugh and I always have NYT Sunday puzzles going on a clipboard we trade back and forth. Words are a great way to stay lively, as are cards and numbers: Hugh and I play cribbage every afternoon or evening.
3. The Next Writing Project. The book I’m working on, Murder in the Lighthouse, is due April 1st, and it’s currently out with an independent editor. In the meantime, I’m noodling a short story for this year’s Best New England Crime Fiction anthology from Crime Spell Books. But I’m also getting closer to writing book one in my new Golden Broads series. Ideas for the next novel are dancing in my brain, as usually happens when I’m close to finishing a book, but I need to stay away from it until I turn in the one with the closer deadline.
2. Almost Everything Else. I sit on the couch and read in the evening, with a cup of tea or a little glass of bourbon (or both combined). We watched Ballard and now are making our way through all of Bosch. I fill various volunteer roles with Amesbury Friends Meeting (Quaker), and I meet up with friends when I can.
1.Grandbabies – You knew I was saving the best for last, right? I’m blessed with being beloved Grammy to the sweetest, spunkiest little two-year old, and I love the regular time I get to spend with Ida Rose. Reading and dancing and playing with her is the very best antidote to winter, as is tracking her exploding language development (a long-time personal interest).
And now Ida Rose’s little cousin Silvio Ilán is in the world, born to my younger son and his wife on January 4th. The little guy is thriving on his mama’s milk and is gaining weight fast, just like his daddy did after he was born. The family lives less than an hour away from us, and I can’t wait to spend regular time with Silvio, too.
Readers: What are your best tricks for getting by and thriving at a time like this? Leave a comment to be entered in the drawing for A POISONOUS POUR!
Fourth-generation Californian Maddie Day writes the Cece Barton Mysteries and loves the California wine-tasting research. A transplant to Massachusetts, she also pens the Country Store Mysteries, the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries, and the historical Dot and Amelia Mysteries. As Edith Maxwell, she writes the Agatha-Award winning historical Quaker Midwife Mysteries and Agatha-nominated short crime fiction. An MWA member and a proud lifetime member of SINC, Maxwell/Day lives north of Boston with her beau and their cat Martin, where she writes, cooks, gardens, and wastes time on Facebook. Find her at her website and at Mystery Lovers Kitchen.
Grandbabies are definitely the best!
ReplyDeleteHow do I get by? Coffee, coffee, coffee . . . reading . . . cooking . . . I enjoy those word puzzles, too, and I am definitely a fan of indoor walking . . . .
Let's hear it for indoor walking!
DeleteThank you, Edith, for bringing joy this morning. While it is neither freezing or icy here, there is enough confusion and construction mess (including blocked access to the beach) here to make “winter doldrums”. And yes, grands and their parents bring un-doldrums just by being. Elisabeth
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Elisabeth. Sorry about the construction mess!
DeleteI love seeing your daily schedule, Edith. Your organization is part of the reason for your productivity. The new book cover is gorgeous and recognizable. I love it when you can recognize a series by the cover art.
ReplyDeleteI spend a lot of time reading and when I am cooking or baking, I am also listening to stories. I've been going to a chiropractor and am about ready to go back to the gym.
Thanks, Judy! Good luck with whatever you need the chiro for.
DeleteAah - I forgot to add a giveaway for an ARC of A Poisonous Pour! Consider yourselves entered.
ReplyDeleteWoo-hoo!
DeleteI think I pre-ordered it, but getting it early... no, I can wait! XXOO
I'm enjoying being with my family down here. I do smile to myself when they freak out because of the snow and I'm like one inch means nothing to me. I spend my time working on my blog, and now that I'm finished with judging books I can go back to reading the books in my pile that seems to grow with each release. They built a new YMCA over here and you know what they did not include: an indoor track for walking and/or jogging.
ReplyDeleteToo bad about the lack of a track - those can make walking so much safer. I'm so glad you're enjoying your new life, Dru.
DeleteGetting by or thriving? Will there be a test?
ReplyDeleteSorting out the spice cabinet goes under which category? Never mind. The spices will still be there tomorrow.
Things that promote my thriving are;
Reading, every night for approximately three hours
Discovering a new writer.
Turning my phone off at eight pm period. No excuses.
Having a freezer full of veggies I froze last summer. And making a meal from them
Anticipating the birth of a new great grandchild in August. Known to be a Baby Woman!
Things that help me get by:
Not having to go out in the cold dark January world
Sleeping in a cold room on a heated mattress pad
Getting sufficient sleep
Watching The Pitt and tracking all the things they do wrong!
Going back to bed at seven am, having been up at five.
In a snowstorm
Pure luxury!
TGIF!!
No tests, Ann! All those things in both categories are good.
DeleteGoing down research rabbit holes for next book project; reading under the covers; cleaning out parents' home (oddly calming and cathartic); enjoying the free time of a school Snow Day; counting down the days to retirement (106!).
DeleteAnn would love to hear your thoughts about the Pitt!
DeleteImpending retirement sounds delightful, Beth.
DeleteSlowing way down to be a the walking-talking-stroking home for a rescued dog who had a abusive first year, then, when she imprinted on my daughter-in-law, letting her move there, the gym which is safer than out-of-doors exercise in Maine right now, watercolor, planning birthday surprises for everyone I know all of whom were born in February.
ReplyDeleteMaren, so glad the dog found a safe place to be!
DeleteLots of Aquariuses! We have a load of Capricorns in our family, and now Silvio has joined the ranks. I like the thought of watercolors but I never get around to it. An aspirational hobby.
ReplyDeleteThat was meant to be a reply to Maren.
DeleteI see that! (And watercolor pencils is the gateway drug ... do not tell any serious, as opposed to journaling-the-day-in-picture, artists)
DeleteThis is so inspirational! Your life is very sweet, and it’s so impressive that you have done it with such passion and intention. Hey—where can we read your short story? Congratulations on the Agatha nomination!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Hank. My story is up on my web site and I believe Malice has the stories available, too. "While the Iron is Hot" is a rather dark and twisted tale of pandemic paranoia gone terribly wrong, a break from my usual gentle mysteries! https://edithmaxwell.com/short-fiction/
DeleteMorning all ~. Paula B here. Plan and simple: I’m going to channel Edith!
ReplyDeleteGo for it, Paula!
DeleteWeather hasn't kept me from doing stuff here (so far, I've been able to walk outside every day), but this dang virus has! And my furnace is still broken. My hot water bottle just sprang a leak, very surprising as I had just started reading emails. Ouch!
ReplyDeleteI never get bored. I can always read or play solitaire or try and catch up on my emails. I follow way too many great folks on Substack and I can't keep up with it all. I watch a lot of MSNow. I also have followup tasks from my Immigrant Welcoming Congregation retreat through my church.
Thank you for being out there for democracy, Edith. I hope to be well enough to go to a labor-organized protest at ICE tomorrow. We'll see.
I'm so sorry about your virus, furnace, and leaky hot water bottle, Gillian! We all have to do what we can to save our form of government, flawed though it may be.
DeleteYesterday, when shopping/wasting time, I bought seeds. Yes, I will still be reviewing catalogues but the seed stall was new and so pretty. I came home with sweet peas, four o’clocks, and dwarf phlox – all just pretty. No vegetables – that will be another day. I also bought a beautiful blush pink orchid, but I gave that one away. It was such an unusual colour – soft and yet strong..
ReplyDeleteI also came home with a rotisserie chicken, a cucumber and half price strawberries. Supper in an instant and we needed it that way. The strawberries were hard, bony, half white and really a disgrace to any proper strawberry, but with brown sugar and cream, the cat and I enjoyed them. The chicken was tasty too.
Bookish – PBS. Last night’s telly. Weird like The Magpie Murders. I like this one better, but still weird.
As for this weekend’s impending weather bomb – today it looks like the US Atlantic shore will be sort-of missed and we might get really dumped on. I hope not. As usual, this year’s storm calendar is for Monday’s which is also hospital day.
Thanks for supporting democracy.
I must grow sweet peas, Margo - they smell like my young childhood, because my mother grew them in our first house. You can't beat a rotisserie chicken!
DeleteI picked up and moved to get out of my former winter hermit life and have had no regrets. We are having a prolonged cold spell here with nightly freeze warnings, but there has been sunshine and temps warming into the 50’s and low 60’s in the afternoons. My early morning pickleball group is champing at the bit to get back out on the courts though. For us hardier folk the problem is more the balls cracking from the cold than us.
ReplyDeleteToday there is a little shopping and lunch therapy with neighbor ladies on tap. This evening we are having our monthly neighborhood gathering at the clubhouse. This month we are playing the dice game Left Right Center (along with the usual snacks and beverages and chit chat) for a change of pace. We are expecting 65 people.
After that, I will be peopled out and ready to disappear into a book.
"Peopled out" - I get that! Your warm-clime life in a community sounds lovely.
DeleteJust so everyone knows, despite my disappointment that Edith ended The Country Store Mysteries, I did long since accept her apology. LOL! Plus I'm hoping she someday changes her mind and brings back Robbie and friends for The Country Store Mysteries: The Next Generation.
ReplyDeleteEdith, you are always so busy, I don't know how you do it. I do not have that kind of energy or drive.
My plans are pretty much the same. Assuming I'm not helping out either of the friends at their shops, I get up, clean up, go on the computer. After the computer, I run errands if I have them. If not, I read and watch TV. On Thursdays I do trivia (though we skipped last night), and one Tuesday a month I have the Mystery Book Club.
I am not looking forward to the 2nd Storm of the Century in a week come Sunday but I'll be tucked inside doing pretty much what I described above. In between bouts of snow shoveling which I'm becoming too old for these days but have to plug ahead.
In the meantime, I will fill my dreams and imagination with the April arrival of A Poisonous Pour (can't wait to see what band you chose for the T-shirt!) and come the spring when you will hopefully be doing an event during your retreat that I can attend.
Good luck at Malice and the Agatha Awards and enjoy your family time both at home and when you go to California.
Like Robbie, you continue to kick as much butt as Jack Reacher...with way better food!
Aww, thanks, Jay - you wrote the best review, ever. Careful with the shoveling!
DeleteJay, perhaps you could write a fan fiction or read the books again? When my favorite series ended, I read the books again and again.
DeleteI must say, Edith, I am impressed at your pace! You do, indeed, channel Jenn.
ReplyDeleteGlad to report that I am finally back fully among the ranks of the living and resuming my winter routines of spending some time with my sister at the assisted living daily or nearly so, Bible study on Tuesday mornings, church choir on Thursday evenings, worship on Sunday. Daily routines of time at the Jungle Reds website and catching up on as much of the day's news as I can tolerate, doing my daily NYT puzzle games, getting in a minimum of 10K but more routinely 15K steps, planning and preparing dinner for hubby and me on average four or five nights a week, and of course, reading. We usually find some streaming TV to watch at the end of the day, too. That doesn't sound like that much, but it keeps me busy and gets me out of the house enough that I don't go stir crazy.
We have talked about joining the local Y and I am still considering it, but I think it lacks a walking track, which is a big turnoff for hubby. Personally, I am more interested in it as an alternative to all the steps. so I don't mind that as much. I also spend some free time researching and planning travel for later in the year. We have firm plans for Sanibel, Florida in March. Tentative plans for Quebec in June. Still selecting the destination for a trip in September. Current contenders are Portugal; Central Europe (Budapest, Vienna, Pague); and the Greek Isles plus Athens.
You have a full and active life, Susan!
DeleteWell, I still have to go out in the cold to go to work. But after I'm cuddled in with my cat reading or crocheting and watching TV.
ReplyDeleteCuddling sounds perfect.
DeleteCongrats on the nomination, Edith. For me, it's half an hour of exercise in the morning, always culminating in a meditation, then ending the day curled up in front of the fire with The Hubby and some TV (or like last night, when he was out, rewatching "Leverage").
ReplyDeleteThanks, Liz!
DeleteEdith, you amaze me!
ReplyDeleteI love your 10 ways to chase off the winter doldrums. I bet when you read at night you have a handsome cat 🐈 on your lap, too. I’m also doing some of these wonderful activities and I’ve added letter writing to the mix since reading The Correspondent recently. Thanks for the joy!
Sharon Elizabeth.
Thank you, Sharon! If I have a quilt on my lap, Martin deigns to join me. Otherwise he's often curled up next to me. Letter writing is important!
DeleteEdith, Ida Rose is adorable. Today is also National General Strike. My local exercise studio canceled classes today in solidarity with the strike.
ReplyDeleteHow do I get through the winter? Hibernating.
I 'm also in solidarity with the National General Strike - except I hadn't planned to leave the house (too cold!) or buy anything anyway. My impact will be minimal.
DeleteEdith, thank you for sharing. I look forward to seeing you at the mystery conference. I may attend the wine bar event if they offer mocktails. I cannot drink alcohol since the onset of menopause. I would love to spend time with you and your writers team.
DeleteWhile not quite as bad as the weather in your neck of the woods, we have had more than our fair share of winter weather. We ended up with 9 inches of snow, some sleet and freezing rain. Being in the Ozark Mountains where the population is small (our town is less than 2,600), we aren’t on the radar to “get ‘r’ done”. While the main state highways (two lane roads) have been somewhat cleared, the other roads are pretty much on their own as folks hope for sunshine to help clear them off. Back roads are even worse. There’s been no school for over a week now. Even if roads are cleared, we can’t get out of our long, sloping driveway to the main road. With possibly more snow this weekend with frigid temperatures (0 degrees with windchills of -15) plus more cold weather next week, it’s looking like next weekend before we even have a chance to get out. Thankfully we are retired, have a whole house generator (if needed) and a well-stocked pantry. Plus, I have several books on hand to keep my reader’s desire satisfied.
ReplyDeleteHow do I thrive during all this? Well, hubby and I both love to cook/bake meaning there’s lots of time spent in the kitchen fixing favorites and trying new things. Plus, the heat from the stove helps to keep the living areas warm plus smelling divine. As a person with medical issues (especially ones where cold makes the pain more severe), going outside isn’t the smartest of moves. However, the photographer in me begs to get out there. A few times, I’ve put on so many layers one begins to wonder if they can even move and head out with my camera to capture the critters in the snow until the body rebels and sends me back inside to the fireplace, recliner and heavy blanket. With two chihuahuas, they keep me moving and entertained. Whether by design or forgetfulness, I do a great deal of walking, even if not at a fast pace any more. People talk of spring cleaning, but when you have a husband who is not use or liking to just sit, things start to get cleaned (whether they need it or not). At this rate, there won’t be anything to do come spring. 😊 Then there’s reading – my happy place – which keeps my mind fulfilled, happy and content. I can travel to new places, visit with old friends and experience adventures one can only dream of. Then I spend a small bit of time on the computer – catching up, emailing friends, touching base with authors and favorite groups and speaking my mind. Honestly, I can’t say I’ve been bored at all during the “stay at home” time. I’d say I miss the sunshine on all the dreary days more than not being able to get out.
I have to say I admire you and your dedication to get out and protest the tragic events our nation is experiencing. While there are no local such events for us to attend, we do vocally express our opinion and pray for our countries awaking to events taking us down the path of doom for our democracy that we should never have been going down. I fear so many will wait to long in taking off their blinders that it will be too late to join the group of doing the right thing.
Thank you so much for the amazing chance to win a copy of A POISONOUS POUR! Most definitely on my TBR list and can’t wait for the opportunity to read, review and promote another one of your fantastic books.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
You are making the best of your situation, Kay! And having a husband who likes to clean? Bonus points!
DeleteEdith, what strikes me about your list is how balanced it is. All your priorities are given space, brava. You were blessed with abundant energy, and you use it wisely. More than most could say.
ReplyDeleteEverything for me hinges on sleep, which is usually elusive and then the result is anti-energy. But I do try to do my favorite word puzzles every morning, then I read 8-10 different news sources, the obituaries for our county, and the one I grew up in, join Steve for lunch in the kitchen where we discuss what we're reading, the weather, etc. The afternoons are for projects or chores, which often involves cooking. Unless I had poor sleep the night before, then I might give in to a nap. I'm also now nurturing a sourdough starter--maybe I can pick your brain about keeping it up sometime, Edith? And am about to cut out the first quilt in a long time. I am also hoping to get a deck, patio, and terrace built in our backyard, so I've been noodling around with plans for that. Lately, I have been doing a bedtime yoga routine, too.
Lately I have also been reading and mooning over seed catalogs, and will be planning the garden in the next week or two. The lettuce in the hydro set up is three weeks along, and there is enough to have a salad! Yay, fresh greens in January.
Edith: with two grandbabies who might be visiting, be aware that sweet peas are poisonous.
Ooh, thanks for the warning. I would plant them in a raised box, but I'll keep an eye out when the littles get a little bigger.
DeleteAfraid my sourdough starter is dead and gone, alas. I rely on eating my son's master loaves!
What a lovely way to end the week! Congrats on the newest grandbaby and on making clear choices as to what matters and what needs to be trimmed back. Having read all of your books, I will miss Buckisms and other fun stuff, but I think you tied story lines up nicely in the Country Store mysteries.
ReplyDeleteAs for enduring this icky winter mess, for me it is books, books, Wordle, Spelling Bee, Mini Crossword (regular when I'm up for it), books and researching things of interest. This weekend will be all about keeping warm and praying the heat stays on and the pipes don't burst. Atlanta area really doesn't handle this type of weather with much grace. Congrats again! -- Victoria
Thank you, Victoria! Yes, southern areas have no idea how to cope. I hope you stay safe and warm.
DeleteAs far as Puzzles Edith, do you ever do the Jumble? It is a lot of fun - the answer is always "punny".
ReplyDeleteNo Jumble for me, but thanks.
DeleteTapping my comment today; am encattinated with my 14 lb boi. Congratulations on the nomination, so wish I could be there with you. I am doing the letter "R" thing -- reading, reviewing, and reorganizing. I decided to read the Malice Antholgies, what gems are there to be savoured. Reviewing happens on Friday's. Some great reads to share today. And reorg? Still decluttering 1700 sq. ft of stuff from a 960 sq.ft home. Or it seems like it. Which brings me to another favorite R - rest. Naps come easily these days zzzz for now
ReplyDeleteEncattinate - a great verb! Thanks for the congrats, Coralee. Have a good nap!
DeleteGood tips, Edith. Thank you for your weekly protesting. I'm looking forward to your next retreat, as you always take us with you (via FB) and I love the pics and progress you share.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amanda! I promise to report back.
Delete#1 ordered and received three plus pounds of dark chocolate M&Ms this week. #2 sorting out and cleaning stuff that I have ignored for ages. #4. Paying bills. #5 Getting my tax stuff ready for the CPA. #6 Finalizing all of the 2026 travel plans and starting a list for 2027. #7 Delegating to someone else stuff that I can get rid of that does not bring me joy any longer. #8 Signing up for all of the craft classes at our local senior center as this gets me out and enables me to economically try new activities. #9 Finalizing my research on purchases that I have been putting off. #10 Buying healthy prepared entrees at Whole Foods so that I will force myself to eat better as dining out is so challenging with this frigid weather.
ReplyDeleteGreat initiatives, Alicia. I need to get my tax stuff ready and I'm totally dreading it!
DeleteRead. Read. Read. Drink coffee. Switch to wine or beer in the evenings. Shop online. Contemplate travel this year. Occasionally walk downtown with my husband who is a walking demon. Find terrible jokes to annoy him with. Try to decide if I want to buy a newer vehicle.
ReplyDeleteI like your choices, Pat.
DeleteCongratulations, Edith, on your nomination! I love your list and admire you for your dedication to your protesting. I have participated in probably five protests since F47 retook occupancy/destruction of the White House, but that’s nothing compared to you.
ReplyDeleteTo my husband’s chagrin, I am dedicated currently to reading as many of the Lefty-nominated books as I can before the convention. (To his chagrin because cleaning the house is way down the priority list. He’s still working whereas I am retired so he has this silly idea that I have time - or desire - to clean.) I am looking forward to seeing you in SF, Edith! — Pat S
Thanks so much, Pat. See you in the City by the Bay!
DeleteThat is a full and rich life, Edith, and some excellent advice for the rest of us.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jenn. Everybody has to figure out their own way, but I'm glad you think parts might be helpful.
DeleteI get by not only by reading, but also by baking, indoor exercise, and online word searches and puzzles.
ReplyDeleteSistah!
DeleteWow, Edith! You are the whirling dervish and I am the lump/bump on the log. But, I'm doing what I can for now. It just currently includes sitting a lot, reading articles online, watching TV, trying to get back to reading more, writing on my final victim's statement, writing in my online journal, trying to pick a small number of small accomplishments daily or weekly. Baby steps back to life. I'd like to start my blog again. I do go to things my granddaughter performs in, went to swimming meet last week. But, during this frigid, snowy weather, I am mainly reading some and writing some and resting up from a hard December and January. Oh, I did finally cook last night, fixing my crockpot chicken spaghetti.
ReplyDeleteCongraulations on your Agatha nomination, Edith. And, thank you for your weekly protesting.
Thank you, Kathy. I'm sure your granddaughter is delighted to see you show up, and that crockpot dish sounds yummy!
DeleteOK, I guess I'm doing more in the future than I thought. A friend of ours sent us information about a Mediterranean cruise in August, and we've signed on for it. I've already signed up for Bouchercon in Calgary. And, I had planned to do a few short trips this spring, so maybe I nee the rest now. Hopefully, my orthopedic surgeon will tell me my new knee I got in November is doing as it should.
DeleteI'm enjoying Bruce Springsteens new song while I clean out a closet.
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty great, especially to watch the video of him singing it.
DeleteOh, Edith! I'm exhausted just reading this. You'e a powerhouse. And big congrats on your award nomination. I've been doing those same indoor circuits every day when I can't walk in my neighborhood or get over to my local Y. Gotta keep movin', movin', movin...
ReplyDeleteThanks, Hallie, but don't be exhausted. This all sounds more energetic than I actually am! I'm also a firm believer in never stop moving.
DeleteHi Edith! See you at LCC soon, as you fit it into what looks like a full schedule of lively activities that would have me drooping - 10,000 steps even if it means pacing in your house! I slip in and out of a real writing schedule. So many excuses - right now workmen running in and out all day every weekday redoing my master bathgroom, which means cat and I are hunkerdd down in the spare room and study, quaking every time the drill sreams into the newly installed tiles to add my first ever grab bars. I envy your ability to write so many books. It does mean you have more eager fans than I do, so hats off to you.
ReplyDeleteHi Edith! Sorry to be so late today! Congrats on the short story! I am in awe of your energy and organization!!
ReplyDelete