This week’s winners are: Doris Richard Ellis and Debbie Petrouske. Each of you will receive an autographed copy of one of my books. The new round begins today; as usual, entering is as simple as posting a comment. Two winners, chosen at random, will be notified, announced on this blog–each will receive a signed book.
I am well, for all practical intents and purposes, but I do run out of energy fairly quickly–I’ve been told by other veterans of C-diff that full recovery can take a long time. So, I must pace myself, which is probably a good idea anyway, now that I’m no spring chicken. 
I’ll be heading down to Portland, Oregon on Wednesday to attend the Historical Novel Society Conference, and I’m really looking forward to that. What a fabulous opportunity to learn, make new friends, and catch up with old ones. I’m back on Sunday, only to gear up for another trip to Gettysburg, this time for the big re-enactment. You can expect lots of pictures, stories and videos. Jen is going along, and we’ll be seeing our good friends, Sandy Pennesse, Janet Wahl and Cynthia Taylor.
I’ve finally given up on Paleo and gone back to Weight Watchers–the only program I can really live with. Not that I ever actually left–my meeting is full of wonderful, inspiring people, and our leader is terrific–but I didn’t count points. Now, I’ve recommitted; I’m tracking what I eat and, in order to get back in step, I’ve subscribed to the new WW Fresh program; each week, I receive 7 lunches and 7 suppers, pre-made by chefs. Breakfast and snacks are easy–all fruits and vegetables are “free” on WW–thank heaven. The food is delicious and filling, and I actually have some trouble getting in all the points I’m supposed to have in a given day. I won’t keep having the meals delivered indefinitely, but they’re perfect for a transition–and SO much better than the frozen stuff from the supermarket.
The last of the peonies are in glorious, spendthrift bloom, so beautiful that they take my breath away. This year, I didn’t cut any for bouquets, preferring to leave them as they are, nodding on their bushes, so heavy they droop.
This morning, thumbing through a copy of “Grit”, I saw a blurb about the solar eclipse (total) coming up on July 21. (I remember when “Grit” was a tabloid-style newspaper, sold door to door. Now it’s a slick magazine.) I’m excited about this rare celestial event, and I’ve ordered special goggles to protect my eyes, so that I can really see the phenomenon. I stayed up half the night to watch the last lunar eclipse, and it was well worth the sleep I lost in the process.
I’m keeping up my bullet journal and, as always, listening to/reading tons of books. Recently, I’ve listened to Julia Glass, Lisa Unger, and Gail Godwin, all favorite authors of mine. There were others, some I couldn’t finish, though those shall go unnamed, since I never shoot down another writer’s work, as I’ve said before. I’m learning a lot from the Great Courses, too–as you probably know, or could guess, these are college lectures on a wide variety of subjects. I recently finished “Becoming a Great Essayist”, “How the Stock Market Works” and others, and now I’m into “Great Masters: Mozart”, which is fascinating and, naturally, sprinkled with dazzling notes of this incredible composer’s musical genius. Like most writers, I’m interested in just about everything.
That’s the blog for today. See you soon.
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Hi Linda,
Glad to hear you’re feeling better but guess I missed what C diff is. Have a great trip and enjoy the eclipse.
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Have a good time on both of your trips. Hope you had a nice Birthday too.
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Oh, my goodness! When you mentioned Grit I had to do a double take and think. Then remembered why I was drawn to the name and that I loved the old format….maybe because they printed one of my short stories long ago. Thanks for the remind, Linda! I let my subscription go when they went slick but I might re-subscribe.
Glad to hear you are mending and hope you get stronger every day.
Hugs!!
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Glad to hear about the new WW program. I will have to look at that!
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Glad to hear you are feeling better. It is good to take it slowly. The summertime I always enjoyed as a kid but now as an old person I do not handle it well. Have a good time in Portland.
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I’m not sure if we’ll see much of that solar eclipse here in the northeast – I’ll be checking that out.
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Thank you..I love to win….so happy that you are feeling a little better.. take good care of you.
Doris
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Glad you’re feeling better and I hope you have a great time on your trips. I thought the solar eclipse was August 21st? Do I have the wrong date?
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Thanks for the update on how your feeling. I look forward to the pictures. DEBBIE
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I enjoyed your blog as usual.. Hope you have safe travels and a great time on your trip or should I say trips. Congrtas to Doris and Debbie on your win!!
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I have had c-diff before after taking antibiotics for a lung infection. My retina specialist recommended to me that any time I take antibiotics I should also eat a variety of yogurt brands so I can be exposed to a variety of cultures and this helps prevent c-diff. It is interesting that in order to get rid of this infection which is caused (usually by taking antibiotics) is to take a different antibiotic. Best of luck to you.
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Hi Linda,
I hope you don’t over do it with the conference and then your trip to Gettysburg. Make sure you make rest time for yourself during those trips. It is so easy to get caught up in the excitement of the conference and push yourself. Then when it is time for your trip, you’ll be too tired to enjoy it.
Take care.
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Have fun on your trips take time to relax!
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Enjoyed your blog. Hope you enjoy your trips but please don’t overdue ,don’t want you to have relapse. Thanks for the info on WW new program did not know they do food. Have a nice week !
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I’ll think of you out there under the stars while I watch the eclipse here in Central Texas under my stars
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Hi Linda, I understand about c-dif. I am dealing with it myself. It all started with a small perforation in my colon. They had me on a lot of antibiotics which clean out the good bacteria. It has only taken me 4 weeks for it to clear up. Now today I was evaluated for some home physical therapy. I am so weak. Take care of yourself.
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You amaze me , you are always learning something new yet still reading , listening to books and traveling for even more information. You are an amazing lady
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I agree with Mary you are amazing and that writers have time to read and listen. Wow. Have fun on your trip Wednesday can’t wait for pictures and stories from both trip. Take care of yourself don’t over do it.
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Congrats Doris and Debbie! I enjoyed your blog and always look forward to the next one. So glad you are feeling better and going back to weight watchers. Have fun on your trip.
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Glad to hear you are feeling better! Enjoy your trip! Waiting on your next Novel! Love your Novels! Especially the Cowboy ones! Congratulations to the winners! Have a Blessed Trip!
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Glad to hear you are pacing yourself in your recovery.
Good luck with your return to WW. Sensible program and nutritious. I, too, love the fruits and veggies.
Can hardly wait for your next series.
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Dear Linda
the best place to view it is in northern Wyoming, Casper to be exact 
it’s called K-9 & Deputy Heroes of the Laramie County Sheriff’s Department 
the Sherrif’s Deputies were there with their K9s doing a demonstration and they even signed the book, too.
I’m glad you’re feeling better
I love that you’re always learning new things !
I may try weight watchers again. Do they make meals for entire families ?
The solar ecliosd is August 21
They’re doing all kinds of special stuff there, three long boring hours away from me here in Cheyenne!
Thanks for helping me overcome writer’s block and recommending Mr King’s memoir!
My second children’s book is out and I sold out of copies at my book signing
Be well on your trips and don’t overdo it.
I wish you could head to Cheyenne one of these days.
Katie is home from school and between golf, violin and Dance lessons for both of us and recitals we are so tired. She’s going into kindergarten this fall and I’ll have more time to write and do music, but time to be sad, too. I may volunteer at her school.
Her principal wants me to do a book signing
You’re an amazing inspiration and friend to me.
God bless ya!
Keep in touch
Karen Cotton
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Eclipod should be eclipse ! Apple iPhone spellcheck ugh!!!
Karen
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Glad your health continues to improve, and yes, it is a good idea to slow down your pace, and smell the peonies. Life is short, so we want to enjoy to the fullest.
Peonies are one of my favorite flowers. I had two large bushes of them when I lived in Seattle, but they don’t do well down here in the Sonoran desert. We are in a heat wave in the Tucson area, as is much of the country. The temp was 115 today, and we’ll be at 114 or 115 tomorrow. It’s even worse up in the Phoenix area.
Take care of yourself, Linda, and enjoy your travels!
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I am glad to hear you are recovering. Take it easy!
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Your trip sounds wonderful. Enjoy!!
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The solar eclipse is August 21!
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Linda,
Your upcoming trips sound great.
Hang in there with WW, I can’t do without it.
Gran
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I am so glad you are feeling better,just don’t over do! Weight Watchers is a great program and one that is easy to stick with. Have a great trip!
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Enjoy your trips!
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Have fun. Safe journey.
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Enjoy your conference in Oregon!!!
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Always a good thing to hear you’re feeling better. I love Peonies. Your trip for the reenactment at Gettysburg is awesome. Enjoy !
Congrats to Doris & Debbie.
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I am not one to correct anyone…but facts are facts. There will be a LUNAR eclipse (partial) on Aug. 7/8 and the SOLAR eclipse you spoke of will be Aug. 21 (not July 21). Please be prepared for this event by purchasing protective eye wear. Have a great day!
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Glad you’re feeling better! Ahh…Mozart. one of my favorites. Perfect to listen to inside while its 120°HERE IN PHOENIX!
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I am so glad to hear each week that you are feeling so much better. I send you good vibes for your continued recovery.
Congrats to the lucky winners.
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Congratulations to the winners. I love reading your books
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My grandparents subscribed to Grit. I haven’t heard of it in years. I’m glad it’s still around. Enjoy your trips. I love your historical works. Will there ever be another “MyLady” book? I love the first two.
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Love your books!
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Glad your feeling better. Really enjoyed the blog.
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Glad you are feeling better. Don’t do too much too soon.
Welcome “back” to WW! I started my ourney in February and absolutely love the new SP program – almost 30 lbs gone. I haven’t heard for the chef meals, so will have to check into it.
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Glad to hear you are feeling better and safe travels. Thank you for all the great reading you provide to all your readers.
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Glad to hear your feeling better. Really enjoyed reading this blog.
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You are amazing. So many varied interests. I believe in weight watchers also. Tried others but always go back to WW. Wishing you better each day. Monika
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That is a nasty one to deal with – my best wishes.
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Sounds like you will have some busy days. Enjoy your trips. I always enjoy your books.
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Hope you had a great birthday !!!! Have a great time on your two trips !!!!
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I’d love to go to Gettysburg. I’m looking forward to your new series.
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Hope you enjoy your trips. Summer has really started in Oklahoma with high 80’s and 90’s temperatures nearly every day. I’m not ready for it. Trying to read but getting waylaid by other things.
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Hope you enjoy your trips. Summer has really started in Oklahoma with high 80’s and 90’s temperatures nearly every day. I’m not ready for it. Trying to read but getting waylaid by other things.
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Thanks for the updates. Good luck with the WW
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Sorry for the eye roll emoji. Hit accidentally.
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Glad you’re feeling better. I’ve not heard about that new WW program. I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for the info.
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Looking forward to reading your new book!
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Hello from beautiful Payson AZ. We, unfortunately, are getting pretty high temps right now. Hope you’re enjoying Portland & have an awesome time in Gettysburg. Congrats to this weeks winners, Doris & Debbie.
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Love your books. I can lose myself in them and read them before bedtime to relax me. Keep em coming! Thanks, Lynne
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I love all your books that I have read and I keep them so I can reread them. Portland is a beautiful town hope you enjoy it. Gettysburg should be an interesting place to visit. Never been there. Keep writing and I will keep reading.
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well I just typed some comment and I guess it didn’t go through but keep writing and I will keep reading. Just love your books
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So glad you are feeling better. Just remember, Virginia is Southern and its hot as hades in the summer. So when you go to Gettysburg, take it easy and drink plenty of water. Check for ticks after you prod through those woods and fields. I’m still battling some aftermath from Lyme Disease from last summer. It shore’ ain’t’ no fun. Have a good tune.
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Hi Linda. Glad you are feeling better. I know you will be out of town for this week. I just wanted to know if you got the hand made card I sent for your Birthday. I have almost all your books. I’ve been a fan for 30? Years or so.
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Glad to hear your feeling better, Linda. Hope your journey to Portland went well. I just spent over two weeks in the area tending my daughter after a pretty serious surgery. Glad she’s doing well and I’m home again. Being gone Iissed my peonies bloom this year, glad my rose tree will have more blooms! Blessings.
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I would just like to tell you how much i enjoy your books. I have been a lover of books since I was a child. Have fond memories as a child at Christmas time, the only thing I wanted was books. I would get dozens and have them done before school resumed. As I grew older, life, children I didn’t read too much. Until I found your books. And I’ve scoured book stores to find all your books. And now I make sure to take time for myself to enjoy one of my oldest loves. So thank you for bringing the enjoyment back into my life. I cannot get enough of your words and stories.
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Hi, Linda. This is my first time visiting your blog. It’s good reading material. I am glad that you are feeling better. I would like to hear more about your WW experience. I need to lose weight myself. I don’t want to use any diet meds. I believe I can lose weight eating better, eating smaller portions and exercising.
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I am so glad you are doing better. I am lost in the Man from Stone Creek. OMG Linda! You made this book so hot and adventurous! I don’t know how many times I have read this book but every time I get so excited two chapters in. Gotta go! Abigail just arrived!
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first time comming to your page. Lost all my books to a fire a while back am in the process of trying to rebuild. Every thing we owned went up in flames. Husband said that I did not need to replace my books. WHAT does he know!! I love reading your books they give me some peace in all of the crazy things going on right now in my world.
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Linda. Just read Deadly Deceptions. Sequel. Will there be a third in the series?? I rarely find time to read, picked the first one at the Veterans Administration clinic, waiting on my husband.. loved it..
Wish you well, Thanks.
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Linda: I love your series.