I see MFM is taking a break -- TAKE CARE OF YOU, MFM!!! -- so thank you, grantcart, and others for spreading joy and good news here.

I hope to start contributing again soon.

Our daughter is home for Christmas from Seattle (just landed a few hours ago and all set up and working in our kitchen!!).

I had my first call with my book publicist today - we are getting the ball rolling on a strategy - my editor will be sending me the first batch of editing today.


On a lesser note (in terms of relevance but not comfort!), I am in my flannel PJs in my office pondering the garden season just elapsed and thinking of what to grow next year.

My youngest daughter is progressing in her first real job. Yesterday she went to a job training event with over 100 people and was chosen leader of her group. She presented her groups report and defended it in debate and her team won. Just a small step in building her confidence (many of her colleagues, supervisors and bosses were in other groups), proving to others she is a 105 pound dynamo.

My oldest daughter is already well established in her business and industry. When we were at her wedding last year a group of her coworkers shared hilarious stories about the first time each of them had wandered into her office with a half finished report or idea and then were treated to a withering stare and a dressing down and never made the mistake of taking anything to her that wasn't their very best finished idea and still hoped that they wouldn't be embarrassed by sharp critique.