The last few days, we've had some serious cold—it didn't get
above freezing until a couple days ago when a nice early morning (3:00am) wind
got rid of the clouds and brought some warmth. We were fortunate here, we had no
snow, just cold. Lots of cold.
Still, cold is a good reason (at least for me) to stay
inside and work on projects. Which is what I did, most of the time. I mean, one
does need to go forth for victuals now and again, doesn't one? Or learn to eat
from an empty plate ;-)
At the horrible prospect of losing some of my most favored
Gentle Readers, I will confess that yes, I stayed inside; I also got all my
Winter Gifts finished, wrapped, and ready to deliver or mail. I'm sure there
will be some I've forgotten about, but the panic is over. I even have my tree
up, but won't turn the lights on until Friday. After all, I do not want to be
responsible for the deaths of those cute baby reindeer! (I know. Most of you
long ago gave up believing in elves and reindeer, and even Santa Clause, but I
not only still believe, I see no reason to change.)
Oh, and I also managed to speak the right incantation, and
the Christmas cactus allowed one bud to open, which I photographed and now have
ordered my cards, which I will pick up today or tomorrow. In other words,
Gentle Readers, I am, basically, ready to sit back and relax while many of you
haven't even thought about the fact that the Winter Gift Season is rapidly
approaching ;-)
For those of you still in need a few giftees, may I suggest a couple of books? Books make ideal
gifts, and they last forever. One size fits everyone, they are easily shared,
and can be read and enjoyed as often as wanted.
I'm partial to an anthology of short stores by S & H
Publishing, Inc., called Short & Happy (or not). The book contains 36 short
stories by 25 authors (including yours truly) from 7 countries. It can be
obtained from your favorite bookseller, or directly from the publisher at http://sandhpublishing.com/Anthology.html
— there is also a trailer for one of the stories by Maria Elizabeth McVoy on
this page.
And, of course, if you have yet to buy your own copy of
Madame Dorion: Her Journey to the Oregon Country, you may buy that from your
favorite bookseller or, again, order it directly from the publisher at http://sandhpublishing.com/Madame_Dorion.html.
If you want even more books, after all does one ever have
too many? go to http://sandhpublishing.com/index.html
and check out the many books available.
