The calendar is telling me that we’re into the latter half of June and that’s scary for me on any number of fronts.
For one thing, I’m finally finishing the book, Ali #10, now named Cold Betrayal. My expectation that I’d be able to write while teaching the writing class in Arizona at the end of May crashed and burned. Could not. Did not. And so, because this week has been one of “butt in the chair and fingers on the keyboard,” there’s not much to blog about. We saw the heron this morning and Bella chased same, but I’m happy to report that the Big Guy, that one spooky big Koi who has managed to avoid becoming a heron treat for three years now is still alive and swimming. I’m the one who delivers the fish food, and I finally saw him for the first time yesterday. That’s a record since we’ve been home for almost two whole weeks.
The garden is beautiful. Three years into it, the plants have had a chance to mature and fill in. Last week, on a rainy Friday morning, a group of twenty or so gardenistas came by to tour the garden, led by our intrepid landscape architect, Alan Burke of Classic Nursery. They tried to ask me questions about a few of the plants. I can discuss rhubarb and, thanks to Girl Scouts, I can’t sort out the pink (not white) choral bells, but beyond that I’m out of my depth. As I explained to the visiting garden club members, I spent 67 years of my life with a black thumb, and the only reason this garden is thriving is that I have NOTHING to do with taking care of it.
Yesterday The Old Blue Line went on sale. I’m appreciating the kind words from people who’ve already read it and enjoyed it. Thank you.
So part of my end of June panic is related to finishing the book. The other part is due to our doing a major family adventure–more on that later–which will occupy two weeks and then some of July. And when we return, I’ll have one day for dealing with both hair and nails before the tour for Remains of Innocence starts in dead earnest on July 22. Busy!!! By the time the tour is over, summer will be, too.
The bookmarks have arrived, but I haven’t carved out the time to autograph and mail same. That will have to wait until the book is done.
In other words, today’s blog is short but brief. I need to get back to the banana peel of Cold Betrayal.
I love the Old Blue Line. The story plot is great but I’m in love with the Old Guys. It shows that we seniors still have some brain cells left and shouldn’t be overlooked.
Loved the Old Blue Line. Eagerly awaiting your next book! Glad you’re back home and all is safe. Have a great summer!
It has always amazed me that alto I LOVE flowers and gardens,I also have a black thumb. 65 years of nongardening pleasure. Our friends and the sales people from several garden establishments are rather surprised as our gardens are beautiful. ( thanks to an avid better half of 44 years) I am proud to say I more than dislike getting into the dirt. But I will take lots of credit for picking out pots of BEAUTIFUL Flowers. …J.
Can grow flowers without much problem but sure can’t get my rhubarb to grow. Sure would love a good rhubarb pie about now. Can’t wait to read these new titles. Just need more time in a day.
Marie, I don’t talk to my plants, but the first time I put something in the ground I tell it to grow. If it doesn’t that isn’t my problem. I’ve found neglect is the answer. Give a plant water when necessary, but otherwise ignore it. I don’t care that much for rhubarb, but planted it. Of course, it took off and grows like a weed.
The Old Blue Line, thumbs up and thank you!
Rhubarbs, they need the right spot and then they will grow without trouble.
Wrong spot with rhubarbs? then they wont grow, so try different places and see where they like it 🙂
I grew up on an Iowa farm where we raised all sorts of vegetables and fruits. I don’t bother with those now, but stick to perennials that a previous owner planted here. When we first moved in 46 years ago, a neighbor gave us some stalks from her rhubarb plants. We planted them at the edge of the vegetable garden where they have been since. Get sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon. Bumper crop each year. I pull small stalks out and tear off the leaves in the garden. It seems to spread on its own.
I am still thrilled that I got to meet you in person when you came to Hoover, Alabama many years ago. You were a great speaker and I started buying the Beaumont series then. I had the Brady books and loved every one of them. I loved the “Old Blue Line”. I am always waiting for the next J.A. Jance book to hit the bookstores. I stay one step ahead by pre-ordering the new book. I like to go back and re-read all my other books by same author, and that is why I buy them instead of getting them from library. I do not lend them out, because I have found they don’t return to me like homing pigeons. I really enjoy the blog.
We have missed you in Casa Grande, AZ the last couple of years. Please come back.