Karen Foley
Lynn Raye Harris
Ellen Hartman
Diana Holquist
Samantha Hunter
Shirley Jump
Dee Tenorio
Jeannie Watt
Summer plans...
Spring is sprung, the days are longer, the weather warmer, the flowers are starting to bloom and everything is turning green. I love it!
And while I am not trying to move life along any faster, because God knows this time of year passes quickly enough anyway, I am thinking about summer... Mike and I started talking about home or yard work a few weeks ago, and I am thinking about things like attending my first RWA conference in July, and what writing has to be done, as well as vacation. It's like after a long winter sleep, everything is springing to life, including us.
I really am a summer baby, though I was born in winter. I love the heat, I love the humidity. I can work out in the yard in the full sun, and I think I must be part-plant, just soaking it up. I feel ten years younger in summer, and I get ten times as much done, writing-wise as well as around the house. Already my writing, for the most part, is moving along nicely, and I have more energy.
So, my plans so far for the summer are to work more in my yard -- this is huge yard that constantly needs some kind of landscaping done, including several rock walls that need pulling apart and rebuilding. I've found I like doing this. It's amazing exercise, but it's also just fun, fitting all of the rocks together just right.
I will probably do some clearing, and some planting. But not too much outside. We have some plans for painting downstairs rooms, but so far the spirit hasn't moved on that. Maybe in fall...
Then, I have RWA, which I am alternately nervous about and excited about. I know it's lame for a 46 year old woman to confess, but it's my first trip like this on my own. I know I'll be among friends, but it's still kind of daunting. I am looking forward to it though, especially meeting all of the people I've only known online.
Then, we're working on vacation plans for August. Last year, we sacrificed any vacation to be financially responsible, and it was good. We had a nice time here at home, but now we are really itching to go somewhere. We initially thought about Cape Cod, which we know well, but then we were thinking of doing something new, like SanFrancisco or Seattle, but weather is an issue. I hear it's cool in SF in August, and you know, I want warm. So... I guess those are still up in the air. If you have suggestions for good places to go, let me know.
I also am working on increasing my daily walk with the dogs to 3 miles a day instead of two, and want to make sure we are out kayaking at least once a week, for Mike's sake, as well as for the exercise and time together. We didn't get out nearly as much as we should have in the last few years.
Then there is the State Fair, which is a summer staple. Can't miss that! Ah, fried dough, how I love thee. Though I always have mixed feelings, since the State Fair also signals the end of summer is near...
My writing should be more or less set for summer. I have one book due July 15, one proposal in Sept, and a few other things I'm working on, and then there is the release of my July and my Oct books, so it will be a busy time!
How about you all? Special plans for summer? what are you looking forward to, or what do you love most about summer?
Sam
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Ah, summer...
I can't wait!
I'm sorry I'll miss you in DC - not going this year for the same reasons you didn't go last year, LOL. We are going to Nova Scotia, as usual, and might do a trip closer to home, too. Otherwise, we're landscaping the front yard this year, and hoping to go to SF in the fall for an anniversary trip (but that's not summer).
Nova Scotia
This is a place we talk about visiting from time to time, or my sister has, too, but I don't go North much... I hear it's gorgeous, though! All I know is what I read in The Shipping News. :) I still love the part from that book where the newspaper editor is telling him to write about car accidents, which are popular, and always to try to get pictures of any blood, because people like it, or a shoe, or a doll, or something. I enjoyed that book, but that's the only part I ever remember clearly, because it was just so funny, and true, if you look at our news outlets...
Sam
no plans
for summer. I always tell myself to go somewhere, but then once I'm home, I just love the solitude of it.
It isn't lame to say you've never been on a trip by yourself. I can drive to Florida (from Ohio) no problem (straight shot on the interstate), but try to go to someplace I've never been...I freak. I want to go to Nationals and I'm sure once I'm there I'll be fine, but I want to go when it's closer to home. Like Nashville. 6-7 hours away and I can drive.
Since I lived in Florida for 16 years - summer brings warmth. Not a fan of the warmth when you sweat drying off from the shower though, but still love feeling warm.
And I love the smell of freshly mowed grass - aahh summer.
Inertia
We get that inertia, too -- sometimes the best vacations are the ones you just plan quickly, because sometimes if I spend too much time looking for somewhere to go, etc I lose the spirit to go altogether. We could save our miles for next year, and do something over the winter, which is a must -- I was so down this Feb, in the snowy dark, that we know we're getting out of town for a few days to somewhere sunny next Feb, for sure. Right now, that's Vegas, as much as we've planned.
You're right, I can go out on a driving trip more easily, especially to places I know -- I routinely took road trips on my own before I met my husband, and I can do that now... something about the whole packing/flying/conference thing makes it all more daunting... but thanks for not thinking I'm a lame-o. :)
I love opening the windows in summer...I can't wait.
Sam
Summer
Summer....this means 2 teenaged boys calling me sixty times a day at work saying "Mom he hit me." "Mom he took off and didn't do his chores." *sigh*
Obviously I have to work but on the weekend front, I'm like you. I LOVE Getting outside and soaking up some sun and gardening. I did my first herb garden this spring and so far nothing's died LOL I'm going to invest in new hedge trimmers this weekend and tackle the hedges, which is sadly probably a 2 weekend job. I should make a plan....really. And I seriously need new gutters and a new fence. I'm thinking gutters aren't that hard unless you have an ornery 15 YO who can think of ten million other things to do besides help his mom put up new gutters LOL
And RWA WIll be a blast!!! I'm sure you have plenty of friends to catch up with. I Swear I spent almost all of 2007 just socalizing. Sadly, I will not be going, nor am I at RT---that's just the reality of being a single mom (no one to leave the kids with).
Vacations? I'm HOPING to get away one weekend since I'm a summer baby and this is the big 4-0 (stop laughing). Even if it's just a day at a local spa, I'll take it. As for taking off with the kids, this year involves a lot of fiscal responsibility for me too so no trips. I'll reevaluate around Christmas time.
Been there
Having been a single parent to one boy, though not two, I never traveled anywhere, even close by, until into my 30s when I met my husband -- all of my trips have been since meeting him, LOL. But even he and I didn't travel for the first 3 years or so we were together, we couldn't even afford a honeymoon. So, we're making up for lost time. :)
I have a feeling most of my RWA will be socializing, too, though I hope to make some workshops. I won't be doing the Ritas, I'm coming home Sat night, but I figure I will either be very social the whole time, or I'll take my mini to a Starbucks and work, LOL. I'm comfortable being on my own -- as you know, being single, you get used to that. To this day, I have no trouble eating a restaurant, shopping, or doing anything else solo. I'm more intimidated by the flying solo and then having to get myself to the hotel, etc. I'm sure it will be fine, and it's time, you know?
We may still end up doing something closer to home -- we don't have kids, but our kennel costs as much as a motel for 2 dogs, and we're seeing if we might be able to have a family member house sit, but we'll see...
Sam
ahh summer
i love summer, as so does my five year old. Which means less writing for me, since ill have to occupy him for the summer. Oh well, i remember loving summertime, and living at my friends houses every summer. it was nice. i see many trips to the park this summer. Were planning a large family vacation to the beach. my brothr and sister and spouses and all the kids and of course my mother. ought to be fun, except buying a dreaded bathing suit. yuck. Do they make those with sleeves?? LOL
nationals are a blast. i havent been since my son was born, and cannot afford dc this year. but am trying so hard to put back for nashville, like marcie i can drive that in about 7 hours. no problem there. it's a little intimidating, alot of people. but there a lot of wonderful people to meet, and not to mention that you get to go to the harlequin party, i'm so jealous there. maybe someday!
have fune, you'll love it,
jody
Nashville
I SO want to make Nashville next year and the 10 hour drive while a bit daunting, is totally doable! I LOVE NASHVILLE! *sigh*
But like Samantha, we now have dogs who have to be boarded if I take off and the boys aren't QUITE old or responsible enough to be left home alone.
Nashville
I probably won't make that one, as I am thinking of switching off conference years, and so I'm not going to NINC this year, but would in 2010. I do want to go to Sisters in Crime Crime Bake -- Sue Grafton will be there, so I am kind of psyched about that.
It is so expensive... I will probably do Nationals again when they are in NYC, since that is a very easy flight/drive for me, too. :)
Find fun in your summer -- the nice thing is, with wonderful weather, you can enjoy a lot of little things every day...
Sam
Sam--Your summer plans sound
Sam--Your summer plans sound excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed SF in July. I thought it was plenty warm, although you know what Mark Twain said about summer in SF. I also love Seattle. My dad lived there until recently.
My summer plans are too extensive to fit into one summer. With Gary working, I have time to do stuff. I work so much better alone. I plan to have the yards gravel-ready by the end of the summer--railroad ties in place, etc. I plan to put in a 2-rail cedar fence, since the price of wood has dropped. I hope to build a closet interior using plans from The Family Handyman. I don't use power tools that cut when Gary's not at home though. That seems to be tempting fate. And I also hope to write a book. I love summer break.
Jeannie
You are amazing!
I am impressed! I don't think I could do a fence, or anything that includes most power tools, LOL. Although I did get some tile saw skills when I was working on the kitchen. ;)
So he is in the mines again this year?
I would love anything you can tell me about either place -- when you have a chance to email. :)
I love summer, too -- ironically, I didn't love it as much when I was teaching, b/c it was 3 months with no work, or had to teach everyday summer classes, or had nothing. I hated the sudden stop in any income, and sometimes it took me weeks to get into "summer mode" because I was so used to working and commuting, and then suddenly there would be nothing. But now, I love summers...
Sam
No real plans
We just returned from a one week Spring Break vacation and that might be it for us this year.
I learnt yesterday that my job is over in 2 weeks. 6.5 years and you get 2 weeks notice of a layoff. Oh well.
Since I've already done everything (with the exception of one closet) inside the house, maybe this is the year I'll take up gardening. Our yard and the facade of the house could certainly use some freshening.
So many possibilities right now.
And I'll put in a plug for Seattle in August. The weather is warm (usually in the high 80s/low 90s) although it can reach 100. Okay, it did it once but it did it! And it's not humid like back East so you can still go outside and take advantage of it.
ani
Picking a season
Picking the season for a vacation is always the key, since for us it's usually once a year as well (we don't count family visits, even though they are nice breaks for a weekend here and there).
I'm really sorry to hear about your job (though I have to say, 2 weeks is a lot -- we've had so many layoffs here, and in Mike's company, often on the day of, with no warning at all), but I'm also glad to see you looking at it as an opportunity. Gardening and working on the house can be so satisfying!
Thanks for the info on Seattle -- it was good to know Mt St Helen's is 5 hours away -- that's a long way for a daytrip.
Sam
Oops
My husband says Mt St Helens is only about 3 hours away! So it is do-able as a day trip!
No major plans...small side trips most likely
With almost 3 teens, one in college, 1 about to graduate next year and entering cosmetology school for her senior year(read this as NOT ready for the financials-but it will all work out), Proms, vehicles, household stuff, cutbacks on hours at work...and we had to cancel our family Florida vacation. Thought my youngest dd was really going to not speak to me for a long while, hmmm, maybe that wouldn't be so bad. She was really looking forward to it. I'll have to do the Florida thing next year. Maybe I'll take the kids out of school in the dead of the long winter here and go very far South or to Arizona. Always wanted to visit there. We'll see.
I am planning to take my girls,my dh and son if they are game, to Chicago. I think it would be a fabulous girls trip. I will take my Mom as well. Chicago is only 5 hours away. Not a bad drive either.
I will try very hard to visit my friend in Milwaukee. I haven't met up with her for over 2 years and she's got a new baby.
Of course we've got Lake Michigan 5 miles from my door. The local beaches will be frequented this year. Maybe we will try camping. Or maybe not. I hate the bugs. IF there were not bugs, camping would be enjoyable. ;)
I'll be saving you a barstool in DC
Excellent that you'll be at RWA. It's so fun and very worthwhile--especially when your agent (ahem) is on the west coast. This summer, I"m home with the kids. But I've just discovered audiobooks (oh, my poor wallet...), so I plan on painting the porch, the garage, etc., etc. while I listen to books. (And tune out kids...who will be home with me....).
A few trips to the beach, hanging at the pool with friends, reading reading reading. Did I mention reading? It's all I really want to do, even at the beach.
Oh, yeah, and books due. Shoot, I guess I'll be writing, too.
Yay!
I'll be looking out for you! Is it okay if I just have a coke? :)
I am looking forward to meeting N, and everyone else. That was a HUGE factor in convincing me to go. It's just time. Also the Harlequin anniversary. I think the 60 years thing is a big deal.
I have never done the audio book thing... I do love to read more in the summer, though, you're right, and I think I will face the same budget crisis now with the Kindle, LOL. :)
Sam
I'm looking forward to
I'm looking forward to warmer weather, so I can work in my yard and get my garden planted.
No vacation plans this year.
Is it summer yet?
We don't have any exciting vacation plans but will spend part of our summer getting our eldest ready to start her college life at UGA in the fall. We will probably visit both sets of families and my younger daughter may have a church retreat or two, but nothing else is in the works right now. My husband has plenty of vacation time but he never gets to use it all.
I wish I lived close enough to D.C. to come meet you at the RWA conference. I went to the literacy signing when it was in Atlanta. What a treat!
Vacation
Hail to the Redskins!
My cousin is getting married in Lake of the Ozarks in June. I'm going to the Turn the Page Anniversary Signing in July, I'm as close to DC as I am Boonsboro and will try to get down for the literary signing. Maybe I can finally meet you IRL Sam! We're thinking about Seattle in August if my dh can get vacation. We may get to Atlanta in September. Lots of talk no real concrete plans except for Sarah's wedding and TTP. When is RWA?
Ah, the Staycation...
Our friends want us to go with them to Toronto. It's Canada, what's not to like?
I'm much happier without the humidity. I love the desert Southwest. I'm not a gambler but, I have a great time in Vegas. The hotel rooms are going for cheap so, it might be a good and warm choice for you. The national parks are gorgeous. I'm an East coast girl and I was amazed by the flat-ness of it all.
Fried anything at a fair is good. I'm working on my MIL to enter stuff in the Home Arts section of our County fair. Would you consider entering one of your bags in your fair? I know a lot of Home Arts (sewing, knitting, backing) sections of fairs are having trouble finding entries.
Say YES to RWA! I'm in MD and I plan to take the Metro to do the Wednesday night book signing.
No big plans...
just going to enjoy the time without rushing the kids to school and everything else each day! I do love the longer days and the sunny weather, too :) Hopefully I'll have lots of time to read ;)