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alfreda89) wrote2025-07-18 10:58 am
rolanni) wrote2025-07-18 08:29 amBegin as you mean to go on...
SNIPPET ONE:
The red was beyond excellent. Jen Sin closed his eyes, the better to savor it, and heard Val Con speak.
"I see you're refining Theo's taste. But, the jade, Brother? Surely you might have taught her to drink something a bit less dear."
"It's not quite so dear," answered the rich voice of his cousin Shan, "when you have a connection, and a discount. And the jade suits her."
What went before: So, that's 1,121 new words written today in two shifts, bringing the WIP entire to +/-56,880 words.
Had a good chat with my friends at Holy Cannoli, where I can attest that the pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are still delicious.
I thought it was going to rain, and it did drizzle a little, but I had been promised a thunderstorm, to usher in a cooler tomorrow, and I'd still kinda like that, please.
Coon Cat Happy Hour has been served up and consumed, and I'm about to pour myself a glass of wine and go see if I'm still annoyed with Dr. Who, or if I can finish watching the episode I bailed on -- a week ago? Two? Whatever.
I have an early appointment with the chiropractor tomorrow, and then I'm pretty much Free until Tuesday.
But, I'm getting ahead of myself.
Everybody stay safe; I'll see you tomorrow.
Friday. Sunny and cooler. Windows OPEN. Station air is convenient, but I really prefer ambient conditions.
Woke up earlier than I had planned. Turns out that all four cats were low on snuggles, so we did that for a while before I got up and found, yanno, clothes.
The rosebush has survived another night; no sign of digging activity, though it did rain a little last night, so I'll have to re-up the hot pepper.
Breakfast was a peach cut up into cottage cheese with tea. More tea to hand, and probably more tea after that. I'll probably make salmon cakes for lunch; which is, among other things, guaranteed leftovers.
My phone updated itself last night, always an exciting time. The best new toy is a button that will allegedly identify music playing nearby. I used it successfully twice, but now it's not working, or maybe Google doesn't recognize Bon Jovi's "Lay Your Hands on Me," which I would say the chances of that are...low.
Anyhoots -- it's still early, so I guess I'd better do some of the chores I was going to do later, so I have more time to work, later.
I do have a doctor's appointment at 10, and a short stop at the grocery after, but that's all I've got to write about.
I can share another SNIPPET, for those who may be interested. Shan and Val Con are in rare form, I fear:
"However, if Val Con wishes to come the disapproving banker – "
Val Con raised his hands. "Acquit me! The red is everything that is wonderful, Master Trader, and I will prove my word by shortly having another glass. I thank you for your generosity on behalf of us all."
Shan eyed him. "I sense an upcoming bid for my cook."
"That," Val Con returned primly, "is not for me to decide."
"I believe you enjoy saying that," Shan said.
"I believe I do, too," Val Con answered, cordially.
And that said! What's everybody doing today?
Today's blog post title brought to you by Mr. Jimi Hendrix, "All Along the Watchtower"
Cat tax Rookie and Firefly being coy, each in their own manner
jhetley) wrote2025-07-18 06:50 amswan_tower) wrote2025-07-17 05:11 pmjhetley) wrote2025-07-17 06:25 pmrolanni) wrote2025-07-17 08:29 amWhat went before ONE: So, that's +/-690 new words this morning before I quit to do some necessary chores and find out what's for lunch. The Manuscript Entire is presently at +/-55,765.
I may or may not get back to the manuscript this afternoon after we get back from the vet. I may instead do the cat box change out in the basement, and take an early evening.
Trooper is now smacking me in the arm, demanding another snack, so that's my cue.
What went before TWO: Rookie the Cookie, 16 months old, weighed on the Vet's Official Scale, a cool 13 pounds-point-nothing. He is pronounced Healthy, Well-Grown, Solid, and Drop-Dead Gorgeous.
He has gotten his three-year distemper, and his rabies vaccine.
I regret to say that he swore loudly and with feeling all the way to the vet's. He was much quieter on the way home, where I made myself strawberry shortcake with whipped cream, and Rook got a splurk of whipped cream. He is now sleeping the sleep of the guy who just got home after an adventure, and I'm going downstairs to change out the necessaries, after which it will be a shower and maybe some embroidery for me.
Everybody stay safe; I'll see you tomorrow.
So! Thursday. Dim and damp and not as cool as I would like. Maybe tomorrow.
Breakfast was the last slice of roast beast with the last slice of Swiss cheese on multigrain bread with a side of cherries. Second cup of tea to hand. Lunch will be -- ah. Strawberry shortcake? Oh. With ice cream. And chocolate sauce. That's all the food groups, isn't it?
Rookie has bounced back from yesterday's adventures and vaccines. He was not so much inclined to Cat Dance last night, being content to watch Firefly and Tali show off their moves, and he went to bed in the loft in Steve's office early in the evening. But he's on the move this morning, so all's well, and we need Never Speak of It Again.
I worked on my current embroidery project last night while I finished listening to These Old Shades. I don't think I had realized that this was Heyer's second Regency; it's such a leap forward from The Black Moth that I had always assumed she had written it much later, even given the Easter Eggs from Moth that are included.
The embroidery is going very quickly; it's really simple, being mostly straight and back stitches. I have another couple kits, and I have some transfers coming. Maybe I'll embroider a shirt next...
I had not reported yesterday that someone had tried to dig up the rosebush on the overnight. I repaired the damage, thought about putting gravel around it, but didn't do. It looks undisturbed this morning, so -- fingers crossed there.
Critter relocation has not called back. Need to call the next on the list today.
Also today, meeting friends for coffee this afternoon. Before that -- one's duty to the cats, and some writing are on-board.
So! What's for lunch at your house today?
jhetley) wrote2025-07-17 06:42 amrolanni) wrote2025-07-16 08:18 amWhat went before ONE: I am going to have to prevail upon the goodwill and kindness of the firemen to help with the smoke alarm. It is perhaps that an inner shield was not removed when the device was installed, and my hands are too week to turn the damned thing and open it.
I fear that's also going to be the case with the electric broom, though I'm pretty sure the firemen won't fix that.
Onward. I have made a cup of mocha, because I can, and have been through what I wrote yesterday, which remains good.
What went before TWO:
How Many Cats Are In This Picture?
What went before THREE: So, the generator guy pronounces the generator in good shape. He of course had to switch the power, so I'll now have fun resetting all the clocks.
But that's not why I called you here this afternoon. I am horrified by my new embroidery project.
#1: The thread is not embroidery thread; it seems to be Just Thread wound around a thread keeper, one strand and it's all kinked up because it's been wound on the card for ... some time. I figured to iron it, to make it straighter and thus easier to work with, and? It melted. MELTED.
#2: One strand of this weird thread, doubled to make the two strands called for in the pattern, means a smaller needle than I usually use, and I am not certain at all that I'm going to be able to keep the dern thing in hand.
So! Definitely something I'll be working on away from home. Or, I can possibly do a refrib, replace the stoopid thread with Actual Embroidery Thread from the Stash, and tally-ho.
That may be my best option.
But first?
The clocks!
What went before Three-point-one: Summing up. The weird thread is said to glow in the dark. As I got the kit from a friend who was thinning her stash, and have no investment in the finished piece glowing in the dark, I have found appropriate colors in my Big Bag of cotton floss, and will be continuing with them.
What went before FOUR: Back from needlework. I got really involved in my project and the time flew. Good company helps.
Coon cat happy hour has been served up and I've poured myself a glass of wine.
I did a little bit of tinkering with the WIP today, but my real problem is how the scam is going to work, so I'm letting the boys in the basement work on their Powerpoint for awhile. I'm really like where this is going.
The only thing on tomorrow's schedule, aside, yanno, one's duty to the cats, and eating, and like that, is Rookie's Annual with his vet in the afternoon. I hope to write in the morning hours, but if the guys are still working, it's no big deal.
I think I may finish the green bit while I listen to These Old Shades -- this will be New Territory; I've never listened to a book while I was doing something else. I wonder how that will work.
Everybody stay safe; I'll see you tomorrow.
Wednesday. Sunny and going for warm/hot-ish.
Once again, I am Up but not At 'Em. I hope to find Motivation in a mug of Republic of Tea's strong Irish Breakfast, as soon as it's even remotely cool enough to drink.
Trooper has had his first snack of the day, with medical inclusions.
My breakfast, once I get to that part of today's agenda, will be half an everything bagel and, oh, a slice of Swiss cheese; cherries on the side.
Slept hard, but with many disturbing and complex dreams, none of which I can remember of course, except that one had something to do with Alma Alexander and a car.
Notes on the day just behind us:
1 How Many Cats Are In This Picture of course comes from Highlights for Children, where it was a recurring puzzle. I don't remember much else from Highlights for Children, but I do remember that. Obvs.
2 Listening to an audiobook while sewing is a Dangerous Game. I sat over my needle much later than I had intended, listening and stitching in an Altered State. If I'm going to make a Habit, I'm going to have to set a timer.
2a Last night's experiment, ref #2, convinces me that listening to a book while driving is not going to A Thing for me. Good deal that I like to listen to music when I drive.
I didn't have much of a plan for the day, but whatever it was, I have now taken the Command Decision to reduce it to: Breakfast, Cat Box Duty, Write until it's time to swoop up Rook and take him for his annual check-up.
. . .and my tea is gone. Best find some day-clothes.
Who's Up and At 'Em this morning?
Today's blog post title comes to you from Mr. John Mellencamp, "Lonely Ol' Night"
jhetley) wrote2025-07-16 06:51 amjhetley) wrote2025-07-15 01:01 pmrolanni) wrote2025-07-15 09:50 amWhat went before: That was a quick 1000-ish words. I must be on the right track. The WIP entire now tips the word meter at! +/-55,075.
I'm done for the day. Tomorrow's treats include the arrival of Ideal Electric, to subject the generator to its annual inspection, and, in the evening, needleworking at the library. We will also be looking for temperatures in excess of 90F/32C, which is never fun.
And on that note -- everybody stay safe. I'll see you tomorrow.
SNIPPET:
"The wine is well-chosen," she murmured in Liaden, then slanted a look up into speculative silver eyes, and added, "Damn, that's good."
"That the refreshment pleases you must gratify me," Shan answered politely. He sipped, sighed, and murmured, "Ain't it, though?"
Tuesday. Sunny, already warm, and aimed for hot, the first of three. Curtains are closed, station air is on; trash and recycling are at the curb.
Breakfast was roast beef and Swiss on whole grain bread with a side of cherries. Lunch will be, err, something.
Trooper is currently in the bathroom, eating his second snack on the day; my second cup of tea is to hand.
I woke up just before 7, but did not start the day with jets hot. There was, for instance, Tali to be stroked and murmured to, as she's decided that a little morning spoil before arising is good for her complexion, then Rookie got shut in the bedroom closet -- I swear to GHU I'm puttin' a bell on that cat -- Firefly made a Formal Solicitation to be brushed, Trooper had to have his first snack, and so on.
Looking at the to-do list, I may not get any writing done today, though if things go faster than expected, I may be able to grab an hour.
I called a critter removal service yesterday, but haven't heard back yet. I'll give them today, then move on to Number Two on the list.
And that's it -- another day in the exciting, drama-filled life of a working writer.
What's your day looking like?
Flashback to yesterday afternoon: All paws wanted to inspect my new haircut:
jhetley) wrote2025-07-15 06:49 ammizkit) wrote2025-07-15 08:39 am
jhetley) wrote2025-07-14 11:04 amrolanni) wrote2025-07-14 08:07 amSNIPPET:
"We ain't so full up at Jelaza Kazone right at present," she said.
"No." He turned on his heel to gaze at her. "The clan is much reduced, I know. In my day, you could buy cousins in lots of a dozen. Come into the kitchen at any hour, and you would be certain to meet a hand or more of them, eating, drinking, playing, as I said, at cards; reading – and quarreling, naturally. We are a quarrelsome lot. Or were. Perhaps our manners are by necessity better, without numbers to back us."
What went before: Well. It has been an unexpectedly productive day. I haven't quite finished the laundry, though there's still time for that to happen. I fed myself lunch, cleaned up the kitchen, put the clean towels away, did my duty the cats, took a walk, and!
Wrote. I really REALLY like this scene, at +/-780 new words, which leaves the WIP entire a breath short of +/-54,000. Perhaps tomorrow, since I know what the scene after this scene is -- though not exactly after this one, but -- oh, never mind. I'm declaring a victory for the write-what-you-like school of drafting today.
I also need to check in with the smoke detector, which failed to start screaming when I opened the oven to retrieve lunch and a billowing cloud of olive-oil scented smoke emerged. Possibly, it was unset during dusting and needs its button pushed. If it needs a new battery, I will be very cross, since it's supposed to have a 10-year battery onboard.
I discovered when I was folding socks last night that I was missing one, and, as mandated in The Manual, went back to make sure it wasn't still in the dryer, or in the hamper, or on the floor, but could discover no sign of it. Well. I hadn't paid the Portal Tax for a while, so I was ... unhappy, but not distraught. This morning, when I moved the towel hamper to start loading the washer, I found the missing sock behind it. I call Feline Shenanigans. Which is, I admit, better than the Portal Tax.
Anywise. I have to do some desk prep for tomorrow -- new to-do list and whatnot. And eventually, it will be Coon Cat Happy Hour. But, really, I'm done for the day, and well-satisfied with my accomplishments.
Everybody stay safe; I'll see you tomorrow.
Well. Monday, I believe. Cloudy and said to be on and off rainy. I'm up but not at 'em and am drinking a motivational cup of tea while I address the internets.
The rosebush has survived its second night in the garden.
Trooper has had his first snack of the day, the one with the probiotic stirred into it, and is now resting comfortably on the copilot's chair. Firefly is staring at me from the observation table next to the window, possibly attempting to indicate on the Cat Telepathy Channel that she, too, would like a bowl of Delectable gravy. Tali (Wrasslin' Name TaliBOOM) and Rook (Wrasslin' Name Rookie the Cookie) are alternatively wrasslin' and zooming.
The writer, Yr Hmbl Correspondent, is really struggling to keep her eyes open, here.
sips tea
On today's menu -- a haircut! The timing of this blessed event suggests that I'll be stopping at Holy Cannoli to pick up something to take home for lunch, or perhaps I'll opt to eat there, and sit in the window, brooding over Main Street in the Grand Romantical Style. We shall see.
Also on today's task list: one's duty to the cats, playing with the smoke detector (I failed to finish that yesterday, having found the instruction booklet), and trying to figure out why the electric broom (essential to my plan to keep the basement stairs free of dust and fur) doesn't, err, suck. Also, I want to write.
That seems like a full day, right there. Of course, I deliberately maintain a low bar.
I do think that's all the news from this location. I really need to finish my tea and go find pants. And a shirt, too, I suppose. And then I hope to be awake enough to hunt the wily Everything Bagel.
And how are you this morning?
Today's blog post title brought to you by e e cummings "in time of daffodils"
jhetley) wrote2025-07-14 06:42 amjhetley) wrote2025-07-13 12:58 pmmarthawells) wrote2025-07-13 11:41 amrolanni) wrote2025-07-13 09:38 amWhat went before ONE: The rose in its new home. I have done many foolish things today and it's not even 10 am.
What went before TWO: So, while I was outside anyway, putting a rosebush into the ground, I weeded, and cleaned up the mess on the deck, discovering in the process that the pot the rose had been in was broken in the fracas.
When I came back in, after having expended some frustration, I swallowed some muscle relaxants, and iced my back while listening to These Old Shades. After lunch, I took a smol nap, with Firefly's expert oversight. I sat with the WIP for a bit and actually recorded an idea I had through an app on my phone, and sent! the! transcript! to myself at Gmail. It's really quite a good transcription. I'm impressed.
We are now nigh on to Coon Cat Happy Hour. Once that's served up, I'll have something to eat in order to buffer another dose of muscle relaxants and retire to mine bed with a cup of tea and These Old Shades and hopefully get a good night's sleep.
Everybody stay safe; I'll see you tomorrow.
Sunday. Cloudy and damp.
I am pleased to report that the rosebush has survived its first night in the front garden. I managed to have some solid sleep on that same overnight, and! have an idea for a scene that should be fun to write. Yes, yes, I know: a novel is not just a string of amusing scenes, but at this point, I'll take what I've got, reminding myself that Salvage Right was a string of amusing scenes, which I then had to patch together with a series of bridges. So, it can be done.
The first load of towels is in the washer.
Breakfast is just about finished with the cooking part -- sausage and cheese on a biscuit. Tea is brewed.
. . . and there's the bell. BRB.
. . .and back. Breakfast was good. Not healthy according to the cancer ladies, but I ate breakfast and that's a win. I have at least one yam, so lunch is covered; arguably, even a healthy lunch.
I wish to mention here that Rookie the Cookie's Best Trick Ever is coming when he's called, and if he cannot come when he's called, by reason, perhaps, of having gotten himself locked in a closet again, he will call out in answer multiple times, if necessary, until he's let out, whereupon, he will stand up on his hind legs and demand a cuddle.
This brought to you by Rook got locked into the linen closet while I was changing out the towels, and had no idea he was even in the hall.
My back aches the tiniest bit and I have, out of an Abundance of Caution, taken one more dose of muscle relaxants, and That -- fingers crossed -- ought to be the end of THAT.
So, I got When the Moon Hits Your Eye out of the library last Tuesday, and I've been reading a chapter or two at lunch to distract myself. So far, so good, though I did not expect a retelling of recent current events couched in metaphor. Notice me heroically avoid "whey."
My quandary is that I'm also reading These Old Shades in audio; I've read the first chapter of A Gentleman of Questionable Judgement; and! the first few pages of Stone and Sky, and that's too many books open, especially for someone who used to be a One Book At A Time reader. Given that I'm also writing a book, that's a little too much to keep in my head at once, so I'm cutting back, and will finish ...Shades and ...Moon, then flip a coin -- actually, no, I won't flip a coin, I'll go back to Stone and Sky, because the arrival of Peter's entire family, plus representatives of The Folly, with a fox, was too funny to put on hold for long.
All that said! How's everybody doing? And -- bonus question -- what are you reading?
Today's blog post title brought to you by Mr. Tom Petty, assisted by Mr. Eddie Vedder, "The Waiting"
Photo from yesterday afternoon: Disheveled and Marvelous
jhetley) wrote2025-07-13 07:24 am