Weekend ramblings

Just a little postcard from Wisconsin

It’s a beautiful morning, with the sunbeams streaming through the misty woods. That’s because it rained most of yesterday and last night. One of the pleasant consequences of all the rain we’ve had lately has been that I haven’t had to water the larger than usual number of potted plants I’ve created and/or purchased this summer in a period of misplaced enthusiasm. The plants are thriving. Unfortunately, so are the mosquitoes.

I bought this pot on a field trip to a goat farm with my friend, Jenny, aka Elephant’s Child. The entire thing turned itself upside down in the backseat of my car on the way home, but after a few weeks of incessant rain it seems no worse for wear.

We had some work done at the house this week, and because the lead guy is seriously afraid of dogs, one or the other of us had to run away to the cottage. Okay, we didn’t have to, but it’s a lot less trouble than having a guy terrified every time a dog barks. I wouldn’t ordinarily hire someone who is afraid of my dogs—I don’t think it’s good for anybody—but this guy is so thoroughly decent and dependable that I decided it was worth it. Dogs always know when someone is afraid of them, and I think it creates a bad atmosphere, so I will make sure the parties never meet.

Anyway, yesterday was my turn to leave, and the cottage is all fine when the weather is nice, but kind of dreary when it’s not. It’s not terrible for writing, though. The dogs were extremely good and patient, although Eli spent part of the time in the bedroom closet because, well, Eli. Auggie was ever-present, however, and made himself available to share my turkey sandwich. He did not like the cheese, though.

Today is a work day. I am still missing a crucial piece of information to finish one plot line, and the people I tried to reach yesterday were hidden behind the most labyrinthine phone answering system I have yet encountered, even including the usual corporate oligarchic hellscape. Nevertheless I did manage to get passed along to four actual human beings and get some extensions for people who might be able to help, so with any luck I will be able to call the people I need directly on Monday. The weird thing was, when you finally do get through to the right extension there’s no voice mail; the phone just rings into infinity. Without revealing too much, let’s just say this was an entity in which one would not expect bureaucracy.

I am staring at a pile of anthropology articles that I need to read again. But first, I need more coffee.

Happy weekend!

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You can purchase my books—and pre-order the new novel—at your favorite bookseller. Some of my favorite shops are Honest Dog Books, Boswell Book Company, Mystery to Me Books, Books and Company, Barbara’s Bookstores, Barnes & Noble, Target, and, of course, here. My illustrated children’s book, My Dog Pete is available only here.

And now for your gratuitous dog photo:

Eli will always come running from his hidey hole when he hears a door open, but no amount of persuasion will convince him that he will not be poisoned by rain. This is his look when I explain that it’s only wet outside, not raining.