I've been SO derelict with my postings. Six weeks have gone by, and I don't have the excuse that I've been writing.

The Butte event was a resounding success. I was greeted by the most gracious staff of the Safe Space organization--especially Tonya Garrity--interviewed by the local radio station and the newspaper, treated to an abundant pot-luck dinner, and my presentation was received enthusiastically by nearly seventy people. I managed to do my own reading without a melt-down, got through the lengthy discussion, and received my first standing ovation. Altogether a rewarding experience. Many people purchased copies of my books. I've decided that I may be able to continue my presentations without emotional exhaustion after all. I've committed to five more events this year and one so far in 2009.

After Butte, we went to White Sulphur Springs to prepare our house and sprinklers for the summer and to play with grandkids. Then I drove to Denver to see my daughter and her family. When we returned to Sequim, yard work was waiting. My herb beds are beautiful. I had tea last night, made from chocolate flavored mint leaves. Delicious! I've also planted orange flavored mint. We took one weekend to go RVing at our favorite campground on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It was gorgeous! Then the cold wet weather set in again. What with the price of gas, we may have very few outings with our camper.

I'm preparing for a three week visit from a thirteen-year-old grand-daughter from Wichita, starting May 31st. We really enjoy her, when we get past the pubescent personality lapses. We're hoping for good weather for activities, although her favorite pastime is a blanket and a good book.

Jim has accepted the chairmanship of the local chapter of the Audubon Society, so there will be lots of meetings for him the next year. With all that "quiet time," I have no doubt I'll get "Chasing Ghosts" finished. I've been forcing myself not to pick up the manuscript yet for revisions. I need to give it my full attention when I do start again.

In White Sulphur, I dug out many of the books I read when I was in my twenties, as my philosophies on life, religion and other transcendant impressions were just beginning. I'm trying to refresh my alternative planes of thought for the benefit of the project I'm undertaking--the essay for my grand-children. Some of the material is extremely challenging, but not so difficult as Shakespeare, my mother's favorite source. She, a self-declared agnostic, would have scoffed at my choices for enlightenment. But then, she was the mistress of denial.

I've decided that television is my worst enemy, and I'm glad to see the network season end. It corrupts my conscious thought, invades my dreams and stimulates my appetite. Jim is in such control over this mindless, no-brain style of entertainment. He watches only a select few shows. I'm determined to follow his example and take charge! I'll only indulge in news of the election this summer, and then only sparingly.

I must stop, and go visit my mother-in-law. This is the day I shampoo and style her hair. I wear many hats!