Tomatoes

Folks are starting to wonder what to do when the fresh, garden-raised tomatoes are gone. Some have already had enough frost to kill their tomato vines.

We had a surplus this year, and I froze some for soups and stews as the weather cools. Rain tomorrow, or the next day. We need it. I already miss the extra sunlight, though.

The folks at Simple Living have some terrific gardening expertise. Check 'em out. And if you've got any tomatoes left, pick 'em now, before it's too late. There's always spaghetti sauce.

New Technology

Well, I finally bought what is now called a "thumb drive," but what is actually a SanDisk® Cruzer® Micro USB Flash Drive. Reminds me of Pampers™, but will, I hope, serve me better than those!

Now I can put both of my books (Briarhopper: A History, available so far at my site www.winecountrywriter.com, booklocker.com, and barnesandnoble.com) and Accidental Cowgirl: Six Cows, No Horse and No Clue, on this handy 1 GB storage device that I can carry on my key ring! Quelle miracle!

I'll let you know how it works.

Meanwhile, have you tried acupuncture for what ails you? I don't get migraines any more (though I've suffered from them since I was fifteen—right after the earth's crust cooled).

That's got to be a miracle: one in which I participate once a month, for the balance that's in it (I am a Libra, after all!)

If you've had a similar experience, please let me know.

ML

Thoughts on Aging

I happened to be thinking about aging the other day, as it was my birthday.

Also, I'm about to have another publicity picture taken, to promote my new book, Briarhopper. I worry about this, as I have noticed recently that I don't take good pictures anymore.

I try to be philosophical, but even my dog looks at me with pity.

Will nanotechnology rescue me from the knife?

Will it rescue you? If you're a good deal younger than me, it's possible.

ML

Another Reflection on Aging Gracefully

On the other hand, even though nobody asks me for my ID anymore, I sat next to a woman recently whom I thought to be nearly 10 years my senior, and she said she was the same age. I was shocked.

Guess I should just be happy with good genes (and maybe good jeans, as well).

ML

The Book!

I almost forgot! My memoir, Briarhopper, is finally at Booklocker.com, for viewing and/or buying. Check it out, at: Booklocker.com or BarnesandNoble.com.

She's Baaack!

Well, NYC was a mixed bag. Weather was great, Ground Zero was profoundly depressing and difficult to comprehend, train trip was a blend of equal parts gorgeous scenery, lateness and mediocre food.

The dog was mildly glad to see us, but since she had been allowed into her host's bed in our absence (something we never allow), she was ready to go back to her house where the accommodations are better and the treats show up more frequently.

Back to the grind, and getting caught up!

ML

Greetings from Sunny New York

Big storm last night, but all is mostly sunny today.

Took the train to Newark from Martinez, CA. 3 1/2 days of terrible food and gorgeous scenery, but it was worth it. I love the train, and I've got the bruises to prove it!

Met a lot of nice people on our travels. We had a roomette. This is a compartment so small that you need to be well acquainted with your fellow traveler or it is terribly awkward, especially when you go to sleep.

More expensive than a plane, for sure, but feels safer. NY skyline looks naked without the Twin Towers. So unbearably horrific, what happened here 5 years ago, it strains the mind's credulity.

Change of subject: If you can, get your flu shots, and soon. People over 50 are especially vulnerable (not that I'm admitting to anything, you understand).

Back to CA on the 14th. Many heavy-duty family affairs between now and then. Wish me luck!

My first book, Briarhopper, has just been uploaded to Booklocker.com. Yay! It's a memoir, and a long time coming. Wish me luck on that one, too. Anyone want to review it? If you do, it's free!

Best,

Mary Lynn