I had to laugh when I read Dee's blog post (and feel a little envy!) because she is where I want to be, LOL. Right now, I'm on the other side of what she talked about--smack-dab stuck IN the cave. And Dee, sorry, but it's miserable in its own way, LOL. Especially when the weather is nice and the fam is going to the lake and you have to say...sorry, have to stay in the cave and finish this book.

Most of my summer is going to spent this way, which I HATE. I love summer, especially the early mornings, when I can get outside, weed my gardens or pick flowers and bring them back for the empty vases in the house. Right now, I think the weeds are dwarfing the shrubs and threatening to overtake a couple of maple trees. And the flowers...I'm not even sure if they bloomed, that's how long I've been inside. Sigh.

I have managed to do one housework related thing this whole week--laundry. And that's only because DH can't be trusted with a bottle of Tide and a basket of clothing. If there is a way to screw up laundry, he'll find it. So I take over laundry, but the rest...people here are on their own. You want to eat? That's what the fridge is for (or even better, your friends' houses. Go ask THEIR moms. I'm sure they'll take pity on your sunken cheeks ;-). You want to find that T-shirt you buried on the floor of your room? Call a bloodhound. Mom is IN DA CAVE.

I call it the Darwin Theory of Raising a Family. Fend for yourself or you don't survive. ;-)

This weekend was beautiful--highs in the mid-80s, sunshine all day. I spent both days inside, writing 10,000 words total between the two days. I've got the next five days to finish this book so I can turn it in next week. And then, immediately on the heels of that, another book to write before September 1. No rest for the weary--next book is due October 1. I think I can take time off in...January 2020, LOL.

DH forces vacations on me. We're leaving for a couple weeks at the end of the month (hence me being locked in the cave for endless daylight hours), and taking another two-week trip in August. I grumble and groan and will probably complain the entire way there and back, but I'll tell you all (so I don't have to tell him he's right ;-), that the few days off, while they'll put me behind and mean for crazier days afterwards, will be a welcome relief.

I'll come back, a little less looking like Casper the Friendly Ghost, a little more recharged, and hopefully ready to log a lot more 5000 word days. Darwin would be proud :-)

Shirley