Well, another week has come and gone and I've had so many little projects I haven't spent much time atall atall working on the book. But this weekend, thanks to a cold or flu but that has kept me under wraps, I have found some time to do more work on it. I sent the first 11 chapters to a friend so he could do a read over and give me his thoughts/ideas and opinions.
I've done a little work on the query letter and proposal but for me, in many ways, this is the most challenging part. For the proposal I have to actually do some research on similar books already in existence, among other things, and for both I actually need to sell myself as a writer. Not something I'm entirely competent at.
My cold has kept me from the gym since Friday -- actually, that's probably where I got it -- so I hope I'm not sliding backwards. But working out was just beyond my ability. Besides, I didn't want to leave my germs there as someone else apparently left them for me.
My brother from Yakima was here for a three days helping me finish up some little things around the house. He helped me get my lawnmower in running condition so I finally mowed my front lawn, at least. I have waaaay too much lawn here. Originally I wanted to talk to him about doing some decks or other hardscaping, but it's so expensive to do and I really can't afford to do that just now. He also fixed a bi-fold door that wasn't working right, put the trim molding back in the kitchen, family room and entry hall where I've replaced the floor, and helped me finish the floor in my utility closet off the family room, among other things.
We checked on that hornets' nest in my garden shed and I apparently finally managed to kill them. He was able to knock it down with no problems. That's a big worry off my list.
Next week he will come back and help me replace a couple of rotting gate posts. They were bad before but the winter has made them much worse; that line of fence is barely standing on its own. In addition, I am hoping he can help me prune the huge apple tree that hangs over my back yard and finish another raised bed for my garden.
He is not working right now and I figured I needed this stuff done so I might as well hire family to do it. Win win solution. I get some things finished and he gets a little income. But I am painfully aware of my dwindling savings and really need to do something soon about that.
While he was here I took him over to meet my grandson, Jesse, and was able to take a few photos.
My sister from Medford also came by on Friday on her way back from Astoria so we got to spend a little time together. After Mike left that afternoon, we went out to dinner and then to see Slumdog Millionaire, which I really liked. On Wednesday when Mike first arrived, Shirley also stopped by on her way to Astoria, and our brother Tom from Vancouver came by so there were four out of the six of us here for a short time. It was nice to see everyone and be the source of that little get-together.
I continue to spend too much time on my newest time sponge: facebook. I now have 80 friends. It is fun, though. I have reconnected with people I used to work with and always liked. It's a nice way to stay in touch easily and also network. We'll see if it pays of in the way of helping me find projects or part-time work, or in marketing my book . . . some day. Soon, I hope.
For now, I continue to nurse this nasty cold. I made myself some turkey noodle soup today and am actually feeling a little better. So good, in fact, I may just get dressed and get myself to Mass since I didn't go this morning.
So life continues with its little ups and downs but the good thing is, it continues.
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