I must tell you that the dinner last weekend went well.  Doug grilled the lamb to perfection and the Tomato’Zucchini Tart was a BIG hit.  After several requests from readers for the recipe, I added a recipe section to my website, so check it out.  For now it includes the tart recipe and my family favorite Failed Fudge recipe.

Writing update:  This has been a summer of poetry writing.  I have been working on a special poetry project this summer in hopes of having a book of poems out in time for Christmas giving.  I have also been doing revision work on my new novel, Tessa and Claudine, my story about two sisters who try but never seem able to bond. Their rudderless, alcoholic mother is forever driving a wedge between them.   And I still have the fun of giving talks about my first novel, Row Away From the Rocks.

Yesterday I had a fun phone call from Kris,  a girl in Oostburg, WI, telling me how much she enjoyed reading Row Away From the Rocks.  Her mother had just died, so she could relate to the story line — the caregiving,  Gram’s death., and referen es to local Wisconsin places.   She asked me to speak at her book club, since she also lives in Savannah part of the year.   It was delightful hearing from Kris, who also has a sister and would like to read Tessa and Claudine — soooo, I had better get busy on the marketing trail for this book.

I am off on vacation this coming week.   To Tahiti.  Yes, I know  –  it sounds pretty wild.  I will be gone for ten days.  When I get back it is time to get those query letters out, hit the marketing trail.  Come along with me.  I will give updates on rejections, maybes, and hopefully an acceptance.  I could use the company.  By the way, I  will keep my notebook handy and promise some Tahiti tales when I return.  Enjoy the warm August days.