Sixteen years ago, we were about to move to this cottage. In fact, we moved to the cottage sixteen years ago tomorrow. Our cable had been turned off, we didn’t have smart phones, and after we moved, our cable wasn’t turned on for another five days. So we had absolutely no idea about Hurricane Katrina and its horrific impact. When we did finally get cable, we were horrified by what we saw.

I think of that today as another hurricane heads toward the Louisiana coast, one that’s strengthening as I write this. I’m praying for everyone in the path of this storm, hoping that if you’re able to, you’ve evacuated. I’ve been on the receiving end of a few hurricanes in my life, but none like this one. Please get out if you can. Stay safe. We are praying for you.

This has been a scary and heartbreaking week. Z was exposed to Covid, an attack on the airport in Kabul resulted in the deaths of innocent Afghans and American soldiers, my dear childhood friend just lost her husband to cancer yesterday, children are dying of Covid, forest fires in the West – believe me, there’s even more, but I’ll stop there.

And now this hurricane.

Don pointed out the eerie similarities between the lines of refugees trying to escape the Taliban and the lines of cars trying to escape Ida, both of which have been repeatedly displayed on our television screen. Leaving home wondering if you’ll ever get back there. And if you get back, what you’ll see.

That’s all I’ve got for today.

Stay safe.

Happy Sunday.

I’m seeing more and more of these on the ground. Thought it’s still summery out there, fall is on the horizon. I’m not sure I’m ready for it yet, but I’m getting there.

I’m feeling off today –  the extreme weather, barometric changes, humidity and moisture have left me feeling congested, coughing, and really, really tired. Plus, I’m wrestling with a potential work situation that may or may not work out and it’s one I’d really like to work out. That’s all I can say for now, though I’m at peace – I think – with either outcome.

All that is to say that I’m exhausted today. I woke up very early as well. So I’m going to lay low, try to keep myself occupied, as well as get some rest.

I hope you don’t mind that this is on the brief side.

The newest Louise Penny arrives today – that’s good news!

Stay safe.

Happy Tuesday.

Oh boy. Yesterday the temperature ‘felt like’ 108. Today, more of the same. I know so many of you have been dealing with the same thing. I end up feeling enervated. I suppose that’s because I know I’m stuck in the house all day. I did emerge to water plants and get the mail, but that’s about it. And because the a/c goes on so early in the morning, I can’t do any oil painting, as I don’t want the fumes blowing all over the kitchen and living room. This is temporary, of course, and it’s not a hurricane or a wildfire, so I’ll stop complaining!

We have to film an audition this morning. It will be the first time we’ve used our background screen, so wish us luck. We have the a/c on right now, but we’ll have to turn it off for taping.

What else? We ended up staying up too late because we were so hooked on The Bridge  that we watched 3 episodes in a row. My heavens, this show is excellent. Only one more to go, which we’ll watch tonight.

And then, I’ll cry a little because it’s over.

I’m reading The Ghost Fields  by Elly Griffiths. I have two more of her books on deck but I may hit pause and read the new John Connolly.

That’s all for now, my friends. I know this is brief but I have to help Don with the self-taping.

Stay safe.

Happy Thursday.