This morning, Shannon and Mike packed the dogs and the cat into the car to begin the long trip back to North Carolina. While there has been flooding in their area, the waters have receded, and their town house, on a hill, remained dry. Other people in North Carolina have not been so lucky, and I expect it will be a long time before some areas recover. How terrible it must be to have your home severely damaged or destroyed, and I always feel so sorry for those who have endured such a loss.
On a happier note…we had a wonderful week with Mike and Shannon. The best part was just sitting on the patio and talking. We are lucky indeed to have a daughter and son-in-law who love books, movies, and art as much as we do. So much to discuss! Also, when it comes to politics, we are like minded, and that is another plus.
Yesterday, as a farewell breakfast, we went to Forage Market in Lewiston, and Shannon and Mike were very impressed with the food. Holy cats, those bagels are good. I bought extra for us to have this morning, and the day-old bagels were still pretty tasty.
The house is quiet now, and as always after our children leave, we feel let down and blue. Fortunately, we have a little something to keep us busy.
The cover for my upcoming fantasy novel, Library Lost, is nearly ready, and how exciting it was to see the proof. I am thrilled with the cover, which will be a perfect complement to Maya and the Book of Everything.
As soon as Library Lost’s cover is ready, I’ll be posting it on this blog for everyone to see.
And next week, I will return to reading blogs and commenting. This week, with all the talking, eating, and having fun, I just didn’t have the time to keep up with everyone.
Notes From the Hinterland 
It sounds like you had a great time with the kids, dogs and the cat and I am so glad to hear their home stayed dry. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by Florence and storm Ali here in the UK and Ireland too. So exciting that your cover is nearly ready – looking forward to seeing it soon! :o) xxx
It sounds like a wonderful visit, and so good they know they are going home to a dry house. I remember when Maya’s cover came out and I’m looking forward to this one. I love that you share the excitement with us.
Thanks, Jodie!
: )
Glad you had a chance to visit and celebrate together and that no harm came to their home. Looking forward to seeing the cover.
Thanks, Beth!
The quietness can be very eerie when someone you love has left, especially so with them having the animals in tow. At least it gives you chance to immerse yourself in your writing.
Yes, indeed! And there is much to do. 😉
Glad their home was undamaged, you must be pleased even though they have left.
Glad you had a good visit and pleased to read that their home came through the storm. Their timing was perfect!
Looking forward to seeing the new cover (and eventually reading Book 2)!
Thanks, Eliza!
That outcome–as nice, long visit and *no* house damage–was all you could’ve wished for!
Glad you had a wonderful family visit and that they are able to return home safely. Good luck with the cover. 🙂
Glad you had fun with the kids & that their home wasn’t damaged, & glad you’ve got your book to concentrate on now!
I’m pleased you had such a good week and the family’s home is sound
We had a great time and a little blue that we’re gone now – vacations never last long enough!!
Went for a walk with the girls this morning down to the creek near our place that caused quite a bit of flooding in our area. The water levels are back down to normal but the surrounding areas are pretty rough from it flooding its banks. Very thankful that our place is up higher and so was not in the flood zone!!
So true about vacations never lasting long enough. Wonderful to have you here. Living above flood zones is a very good thing. Something to keep in mind if you move.
What a lovely time and I understand full well, about when they leave-gosh it is just awful-best wishes on your book!
Many thanks! And, again, congrats on the little one. It is a birth that will be remembered, that’s for sure. Coming just ahead of the hurricane. Right out of a story.
The house feels quiet after they leave, doesn’t it? As if they took, not only themselves, the and the sounds they made, but the very air they breathed.
Sure does! Too quiet, Wished they lived closer so that they could visit more often. I’m sure you feel the same way.
I do.
I know that empty feeling when the kids leave. Takes a couple of days to get back to feeling normal, but your book is keeping you busy. I’m looking forward to reading it.
Thanks so much!
What a lovely visit and I’m glad you have the excitement over the book cover to help distract from the quiet house. So wonderful to be able to share your birthday celebrations and interests with your children.
It really is! And I feel like one lucky parent to have children and a son-in-law who have so many of the same interests as I do.
I am so pleased Shannon and Mike’s home was undamaged! I hate it when my daughter leaves to go back home! I miss her so much.
I am looking forward to seeing the new book’s cover; I can’t wait to get on with the story!
So quiet and lonely when the kids. Thanks so much for your support for my books! Today, I’ll be posting the cover for “Library Lost.” Exciting!
Glad to hear they had a dry house to go back to. 🙂
Yes, so good!