I've decided to skip the last three book events for the year--Billings, Missoula and the Western Literature Association being held this year in Spearfish, S.D. Instead, Jim and I took a mini-tour around eastern Montana in late September, and it was very productive and enjoyable (we included Williston, North Dakota.) I have been lax in preparing to take part in the bookfests. It takes constant diligence and keeping in touch with the organizers, and I've had my mind elsewhere. I'll try to resume my efforts at promotion and speaking engagements next year.

One of the stops on our mini-tour (we pulled our camper) was a weekend in Circle, Montana, for their community's fall fun day. I was pleasantly surprised to find that my high school graduating class's fiftieth reunion was also being held that week-end. I was assured that I had been sent a letter of notification, but I had to admit I either didn't receive it or forgot about it (highly unlikely.) It was a very small class--only about thirty graduates--but of those, twenty six attended the reunion. I was amazed, and had a great time getting reacquainted. I also sold many books, and danced all night at the local pub.

In Williston, we were welcomed with enthusiasm at a local bookstore, and sold many of all three books. Several people came from eastern Montana for the event, people who had known me in my childhood and youth. I missed an opportunity to speak at the annual conference of North Dakota organizations that address domestic violence--the timing was off slightly and we couldn't connect. I've committed to try to attend next year. I've also agreed to be in Sidney (MT) in July. The need is great--it keeps me very busy.

Our last stop was at a wonderful little boutique gift shop in Terry, MT, that has sold dozens of my books. We met wonderful people and visited with aspiring authors. Check out the"Prairie Unique" website.

Now it's back to work. We've been hauling huge loads of firewood (beetle-killed pines) with the help of my two sons, Barry and Randy. I think we're about done, except for cutting and splitting all those logs to kindling size. It's hard work but it keeps us in shape (we intend to keep dancing!)

My mother-in-law's condition has improved slightly, but it appears she will be in the nursing home for the duration. A word of advice: Get Long Term Care insurance. She doesn't have it, and next month Medicare will cut off her nursing home payments. She then has to pay it herself, because she doesn't qualify for Medicaid. We've learned that one in three Americans will spend time in a nursing home (currently at $5,000 per month or more.) That makes the premiums well worth it.