Contest: Any HTML Experts Out There?

You may have noticed I've changed the background on my blog. I like the new background, except...somehow it seems to have squashed the message area and the links area over to the left, with just empty space on the right. I followed the instructions exactly for installing it, so I'm at a loss for how to fix it.

Thus, I've decided to hold a contest! The first person who can tell me how to fix this problem...that actually results in me being able to fix it...will win a free download of one of my books, whichever one the winner chooses. You can read about my books at www.elizabethdelisi.com.

Sure hope someone comes up with an answer! Thanks!

Liz

Happy Holidays, Time For Taxes...

I hope you all enjoyed your winter holiday, whichever one you celebrate. We had a lovely and low-key holiday here--well, low-key except for watching the grandchildren tear into their presents. ;-)


Since I've told you about my new books out, the only other writing-related news is that I'm still finishing up PERILOUS PREDICTION, the novella-length sequel to FATAL FORTUNE. Will keep you posted!

In the meantime, January brings the new year and with it, thoughts of...taxes. Ugghhh. But Julian Block, tax expert extraordinaire, can help you get everything that's coming to you! Here's some info you might find useful:

From "Mauled Again," Prof. James Edward Maule's more than occasional commentary on tax law, legal education, the First Amendment, religion, and law generally, with sporadic attempts to connect all of this to genealogy, theology, music, model trains, and chocolate chip cookies. Copyright 2004-2006 James Edward Maule.

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

A Tax Advice Book for People Who Write and Illustrate Books

Julian Block has a tax book hat trick for 2006. Earlier this year, in Tax and Relationships: A Book to Read and Give, I described his "MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE: Savvy Ways For Persons Marrying, Married Or Divorcing To Trim Their Taxes - And They’re Legal." Several months ago, in A New Book on Taxation of Residence Sales: Don't Leave Home Without It, I reviewed Julian's "THE HOME SELLER’S GUIDE TO TAX SAVINGS: Simple Ways For Any Seller To Lower Taxes To The Legal Minimum." Now he brings us "TAX TIPS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES: Savvy Ways For Writers, Photographers, Artists And Other Freelancers To Trim Taxes To The Legal Minimum."

As I mentioned in the two previous reviews, Julian's titles suggest that he is collecting gimmicks, tricks, and ploys with respect to the tax treatment of the selected subject, but the actuality is quite the opposite. What Julian does is to put the spotlight on tax provisions that easily can be overlooked by someone not expertised in taxation. In addition to reminding taxpayers of deductions and credits of which they should be aware, he also spells out in careful detail the common mistakes that taxpayers often make, and why trying for more than the tax law allows is counterproductive. Thus, in his latest effort, Julian begins with an explanation of how difficult it is to demonstrate that activities such as writing, photography, and art constitute trades, businesses, or for-profit activities rather than hobbies.

In this new book, Julian devotes chapters to small business depreciation, health insurance and vehicle deductions for the self-employed, home office deductions, self-employment taxes, net operating losses, and section 1244 stock. He describes the narrow circumstances under which travel expenses for an entrepreneur's spouse can be deducted. He explores the circumstances under which employed of children in a parent's business can be advantageous, and those in which it is not. Practical tips about making payments at the end of the year, keeping records, sending checks to the IRS, extensions of time to file, and making refund claims are covered in five chapters. Julian warns self-employed individuals who hire employees about the risks of failing to withhold and remit employment taxes, a problem that seems to afflict far more people than one would expect.

As with his earlier works, Julian's most recent effort is more suited for the person not schooled in tax law. The many people who start doing business without getting any tax advice, and who for whatever reason do not seek that advice at the outset, would be well advised to buy this book and become acquainted with the tax law parameters affecting writers, photographers, and artists. Doing so would reduce the likelihood of making decisions that generate adverse tax consequences that could have been avoided.

To order a copy, contact Julian Block at 3 Washington Sq., #1-G, Larchmont, NY 10538 or go his website, julianblocktaxexpert.com. Or, as was the case with the previous books, email Julian at julianblock@yahoo.com.

~~~~~~~~~


So while doing our taxes is never fun, at least Julian's books help us find every deduction we're entitled to. Best of luck!

Liz

New Books Out!

I haven't written in a while. Too many crises going on in my life to even name. Sheesh. I do have news, though: I have two new books out, and two more coming soon!

SHIVERS AND SCREAMS, VISIONS AND DREAMS is available now from DiskUs Publishing here: Shivers and Screams, Visions and Dreams. It's a paranormal anthology with six novellas by six authors, and includes my story "Restless Spirit."

HOLIDAY MIXER is available from Haypenny Press here: Holiday Mixer. It's a fabulous collection of holiday stories of every type--funny, emotional, and scary, including my short story, "Step On a Crack."

FATAL FORTUNE and PERILOUS PREDICTION, the first two stories in my Lottie Baldwin Mystery Series, will be released soon from Haypenny Press. To get a gander at the fabulous cover art, go here: Fatal Fortune and Perilous Prediction and scroll down to the "New" section.

And finally, ENCHANTED HOLIDAYS will be released on December 21 from Cerridwen Press. It includes six paranormal romance novellas themed around the holidays, including my story "Mistletoe Medium," which is a prequel to FATAL FORTUNE and features Lottie Baldwin. Check out the cover art here: Enchanted Holidays.

How's that for a lot of news?

So, what are YOU up to?

Liz

It Lives!

Okay, I know I haven't posted in a while. It's been a combination of nothing to say, and mostly the fact that I've been out of state four times in the last four weeks. I've spent more time packing and unpacking than just about anything else. Whew! I'm sure glad to be home for a while now.

I do have new release book news to share. I have a new novella out in the paranormal anthology SHIVERS AND SCREAMS, VISIONS AND DREAMS from DiskUs Publishing, and you can check it out here: http://www.diskuspublishing.com/shiversandscreams.html Just in time for Halloween, a sextet of scary stories. Make sure you keep the nightlight on after reading these...

And, coming soon from Cerridwen Press is the anthology ENCHANTED HOLIDAYS. It will be released on December 21, just in time for the holidays, and includes six paranormal romance novellas, including one of mine. It's not listed yet, but will be soon, and when it is, there will be a link here: http://www.cerridwenpress.com/AuthorsBio.asp?AuthorCode=EDel

Someday soon I'll update my website so you can see the cover art for both. ;-) In the meantime, I'm working on the sequel to FATAL FORTUNE, called PERILOUS PREDICTION, which will come out from Haypenny Press sometime in the next six months, I hope. Don't have an exact release date yet.

So what's going on in your life? I hope you're enjoying the gorgeous fall colors--at least if you're in a place that has them. I'm soaking them up, just wish I could keep them around forever.

Meeting A Far-Away Reader

Last month I had the opportunity to visit with a reader who had come from farther away than anyone else I'd met: Israel. Now, I can't claim Amy S. came all the way to New Hampshire just to visit me. ;-) But while she was here on vacation with her family, we did have the opportunity to meet and have a great visit at a local spot over a cup of coffee and a sweet treat. She had purchased copies of a couple of my books, which I was glad to sign for her. We also talked about another interest we have in common, knitting. Here's a picture of the two of us:


I've done booksignings, but it's usually locals at those events. I've met readers at conferences and other events, where it's me who's from out of town. But this is my very first opportunity to meet a reader from outside the U.S., and it was great!

A few times in my life, I've had the opportunity to meet someone important to me in one way or another. Probably the most memorable time was when I met Mary Higgins Clark at a writer's conference in Florida. I love her books, and it was such an honor and so exciting to get to shake her hand. I'm sure I stammered and stuttered and in general was less than coherent. ;-)

Do you have stories of meeting a favorite writer, or maybe an actor, singer, artist, or someone else whose work you're familiar with, but not the person? Who did you meet? What was it like? How far did you travel? Share your stories with me!

In A Funk

I've been in a writing funk lately. Just can't seem to get inspired. Now I know I should just write anyway and bust through it, or maybe try writing on a different project. But so far neither thing is working. Any other suggestions from anyone who's experienced this and worked through it?

In the meantime, FATAL FORTUNE is now available exclusively at Fictionwise, with a new cover designed by my good friend and fellow author Maureen McMahon (www.maureenmcmahon.com). Check it out here: http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/eBook36900.htm?r=3a20

Don't know if I've posted about the good news yet...the authors of ENCHANTED HOLIDAYS (of which I am one!) have a publisher lined up for our new anthology entitled, SHIVERS AND SCREAMS, VISIONS AND DREAMS. It's DiskUs Publishing, and we're looking forward to the release of the book this fall. More news here when it becomes available.

Spring has sprung here and beautiful flowers are bursting out everywhere. This spring is a real adventure for us, as we moved into this house last September, so we have no idea what's planted. Each new bud and blossom is a lovely surprise. I don't know what many of the plants are, but they're sure pretty! The previous owners did a terrific job of landscaping.

So, how come I can write a blog entry, but not a book? (sigh, eye-roll) Well, I'll keep trying, and if any of you have any tips, I'd love to hear them!

Wedding Picture

Just thought I'd post a quick little photo of my son Mike, his bride Amy, and our granddaughter, Isabel, who was the flower girl. Are they not all gorgeous (or adorable, as the case may be?


The 3,200-mile car trip with Isabel in tow was, frankly, exhausting. But looking at these pictures makes me realize it was all worth it. We finally got to meet our new daughter-in-law, and her family, and it was a chance to be back in Kansas for a bit. Thank goodness the weather behaved nicely while we were there!

So, do you have any family events planned for this spring? Spring is definitely a great time for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, births, any kind of new beginning. The crocuses are coming up in our garden and it's so lovely and warm today, nearly 70 degrees. Deep breath! Breathe in spring and renewal.

Back To Writing

I finally decided it wasn't right to spend so much time on this, my writing blog, talking about knitting. :-) So, I started a separate knitting blog. If you're a knitter and want to read about my latest projects, visit my new blog at http://liz-knits.blogspot.com .

I really am anxious to get moving on writing again. Lately I've been tied up with physical therapy to recover from my shoulder surgery, odds and ends still left to do from our move to New Hampshire last fall, helping our daughter and her family move here to New Hampshire and get a job, heading back to Kansas on a 3,200-mile odyssey car trip with our four year old granddaughter to my son Mike's wedding, teaching four online courses with a fifth to start next week...well, you get the idea, I've been busy.

But!

As of today, I'm starting work again on my novella. It's for a paranormal anthology tentatively titled SHIVERS AND SCREAMS, VISIONS AND DREAMS, and the other authors in the anthology include Kim Cox, Chris Grover, Elaine Hopper, Maureen McMahon, and Sheryl Hames Torres. We do have a publisher for the anthology, DiskUs Publishing, but don't have a release date yet. Check back here regularly for the latest updates.

My story for the anthology is titled "Restless Spirit" and involves a woman who's lost her husband and son, a Ouija board, and contact with a mysterious man from the past...

Hope this tantalizes you a bit!

So, what are YOU working on as a spring project?

Still Knitting

I'm still knitting like crazy, whenever I get time. Here's a picture of my latest completed project, a felted purse, for me this time (yes, it's drying on a radiator--we live in an old house):















I added a snap closure and a gaudy rhinestone pin, and I think it looks pretty cute if I do say so myself.

Now I'm working on a multidirectional scarf, to learn the technique. (Multidirectional knitting allows you to knit in different directions, like triangles or diamonds coming together at different angles, without cutting the yarn or sewing the shapes together. Check out a group on multidirectional knitting here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/multidirectional/)

I'm also knitting a scarf out of some really interesting yarn (Eros Glitz, check it out here: javascript:popupWindow ('http://www.knittingzone.com/catalog/popup_image.php?pID=2916'). I'm making the shawl on large needles and just using the garter stitch, so the focus is on the unique yarn itself, not the pattern. I've heard this yarn has been out for years. But coming from a place where the local Walmart was my only yarn store, to a place with a wonderful REAL yarn store (The Woolery, http://www.nhwoolery.com/) has made me realize how much I've been missing!

And, I'm waiting for a pattern I ordered for another felted purse. Hey, this felting stuff is fun! Here's the pattern: http://www.carodanfarm.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/product504.html This is a pattern by "Designs by Shelley," and I really like her other designs as well. You can check them out here: http://saboardman.tripod.com/ I especially like the Jester Bag, and the Flapper Bag and the Fancy Bag here: http://saboardman.tripod.com/id15.html

What are you working on? What are your hobbies? Do you have a new one you're enthusiastic about, or an old one you still love? Share, share!

Returning To An Old Hobby

In the last month or so, I've returned to a favorite old hobby: knitting.

I first learned to knit when I was five years old. A little young, maybe. But my dad, who worked for the Boy Scouts at that point, had brought us all to Boy Scout Camp for the summer. As you may imagine, there wasn't much for a little girl to do at Boy Scout Camp! My mom was kept busy taking care of my two year old sister, and I think she taught me to knit in self-defense.

I've been knitting ever since. Sometimes with great enthusiasm, and sometimes I put it aside for a while. In recent years I haven't knitted a lot, because the only "yarn store" nearby was the local mass merchandiser, who didn't offer a great deal of variety. I ordered yarn and supplies via the Internet sometimes, but it was tough to choose a yarn you couldn't see and feel before you bought it.

Then, we moved to New Hampshire...and my knitting life changed. Wonder of wonders, there's a yarn store just a few miles away! The first time I walked in there, I was mesmerized by all the different brands of yarn, the colors, the pattern books. I was in heaven.

I bought some wool yarns and made a felted purse for my daughter for Christmas. It's the first time I ever used wool--I was limited to acrylic before. And the first time I've tried felting. It came out great. That's the picture of it above. It was fun to learn something new, and to have wonderful yarns to work with.

Now I'm working on a shawl using the most amazing yarn. It's called Eros Glitz, and you can check it out here: http://www.plymouthyarn.com/index.php?nav=
cYarn.viewYarnImage&yarn_id=000088 (You'll have to cut and paste.)

Hard to tell, but the "yarn" looks like a ladder, with the two long sides made of black and silver thread. The cross bars are very fine, and inbetween them are bands of different shades of purple and blue. At least they are in the color I chose. ;-) The shawl is knitted on size 15 needles, so it's very open and lacy. I'm having a great time with it!

I'm also working on a scarf done in multidirectional knitting. Again, this is something new to me and I'm having fun with it. You can learn more about multidirectional knitting in this book: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1579906494/sr=8-1/
qid=1139690659/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-7664966-4802449?%5
Fencoding=UTF8 (again, you'll have to cut and paste) and by joining the associated yahoogroups list. I think this should get you there: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/multidirectional/?yguid=236374673

And, I just ordered a great book of "vintage" sock patterns, revised for today's yarns and needles. I've never made socks either, and I think it'll be a fun project. It will be nice to have warm, soft wool socks in cold, wintry New Hampshire!

I also have a sweater I'm working on, but have put it aside for the moment, not only because of the excitement of the new projects, but because it's a bit too heavy to work on while I'm still recovering from my shoulder surgery.

So...are there any knitters out there? What are you working on? Do you have a local yarn store? How about a local knitting group? Let's talk knitting!

Snow and Resolutions

I'm starting to see what it's like to live in the northeast again. Western Kansas was cold in the winter, with nasty wind chills...the wind always blows there. But it was dry, so there was little precipitation of any kind. New Hampshire doesn't have much wind, but there's a LOT of rain and snow. We got about four inches this week over the space of two storms, and I just love it. Above is a picture from the most recent storm. I suppose the novelty will wear off, especially the "novelty" of having to put on boots and scrape my car every time I leave the house. But for now, it's an wintry fairyland and I'm enchanted.

Have all of you made your New Year's resolutions? Are they the same ones you always make? I find I tend to make the same ones every year, and the reason is because I never keep them, so I start over in January. I'll eat better, I'll exercise more, I'll be kind to everyone and won't lose my temper. Sound familiar?

This year, I'm doing something different. One of the things that distresses me in life is having panic attacks. They come on like gangbusters with all the Kansas thunderstorms that can morph into tornadoes, so I'm endlessly thankful to have moved to a tornado-less spot. The others--flying, hospitals, IVs/needles, driving in city traffic, getting lost while driving in city traffic--are still here and have to be dealt with on occasion. I can avoid flying, but I can't avoid surgery. In fact, I have to have some rather nasty shoulder surgery in two weeks.

So, my resolution this year is to try to tell myself, when panic looms, that at least it's not a life-threatening situation. (And to try to forget that sometimes, things like airplanes, hospitals and city traffic CAN be life-threatening.) The odds are with me that I'll survive all these things, and if I can just convince myself of that up front, I'll eliminate a LOT of stress.

Are you making any new resolutions this year? What are they?

Merry Christmas and Happy Tax Time!

I hope all of you who celebrate Christmas had a merry one! And those of you who celebrate other holidays at this time of year, I hope they were joyous and special.

We had a hectic but interesting holiday, since we drove eight hours on Christmas Eve day to visit my dad, then turned around and drove eight hours home on Christmas. But he would have been alone otherwise, so it was a good way to spend the holiday. Helped keep my mind off the fact that this was the first Christmas we've spent without our children (and grandchildren).

As we move forward into 2006, I know many of you will be thinking/worrying about doing your taxes. One thing that always bothers me is wondering if I've taken all the deductions I'm entitled to. The tax forms are so dang complicated! I like to think of myself as a fairly intelligent person, but I'm never quite sure I'm doing it right.

Fortunately, there are experts out there who DO know how it's done. Julian Block is one such expert. And the best thing about his books are, they're written in easy-to-understand language for the layman. Here's the info on one you might want to pick up this tax season:

TAX TIPS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES: Savvy Ways For Writers, Photographers, Artists And Other Freelancers To Trim Taxes To The Legal Minimum

“One of the best tax books, an excellent source of information. Julian Block writes in such a lively clear style that a reader might never guess that he is a tax lawyer.” --- New York Times

“One of the best personal-finance books…a handy general treatment of personal income taxes…clearly written and both wide and deep in its coverage.” --- Money

Most freelancers and other owners of small businesses lose more than necessary to the tax collectors. Individuals who have their own businesses can learn ways to make the continually changing tax laws work for them. And business owners can learn the steps they should take to reduce taxes for this year and even get a head start for future years. Tax Tips For Small Businesses is an indispensable reference that offers clear, concise, uncomplicated and immediately useful advice on how to sidestep pitfalls and take maximum advantage of frequently missed, perfectly legal opportunities that can save many thousands of dollars.

No other book for consumers is as detailed and helpful as Tax Tips For Small Businesses. In fact, publications for attorneys, accountants and financial planners are not as detailed.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Julian Block is a nationally recognized expert, syndicated columnist, former IRS special agent (criminal investigator) and attorney, and a member, and former officer, of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, the preeminent organization of nonfiction writers. He has been praised by the New York Times as a "leading tax professional" and by the Wall Street Journal as "an accomplished writer on taxes."

Reading about taxes can be just about as unpleasant as paying them. Tax Tips For Small Businesses is a welcome exception. To order a copy, send $19.95 for a postpaid copy to J. Block, 3 Washington Sq., #1-G, Larchmont, NY 10538.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So, pick it up if you want to be sure you take every exemption you're entitled to.

And to all, a very Happy New Year!

It's Winter Time, Little Bear

When I was a kid, one of my favorite stories was about a little bear who didn't want to go hibernate. He wanted to play in the leaves, watch the bugs, roll around and have fun. His mother kept saying to him, "But it's winter time, Little Bear." That became a saying in our house...and now that I'm in New Hampshire, I think I'll be saying it a lot!

That said, I'm still waiting for the first real snow of the season. Well, the second...we did have a lovely snowfall on Thanksgiving, so it was a terrific white Thanksgiving day. And luckily enough, I was cooking all day and didn't have to drive in it. I like watching the snow, and walking in it, but NOT driving in it. I'm also looking forward to building a nice, cozy fire in our woodburning stove--as soon as my hubby cleans it out and checks the flue.

Winter, of course, also brings Christmas and other December holidays, and I am NEVER ready for them. This year is no exception. Well, Christmas will be skimpy anyway, since our house back in Kansas hasn't sold yet. (sigh) But I haven't even thought about cards, let alone the few presents I plan to purchase, or putting up the tree.

How about you? Are you one of those people who's so organized, your decorations are up the day after Thanksgiving, and you've bought all your Christmas presents, wrapped them, and addressed all the cards that same weekend? Or are you one of those like me who has great ambitions to be efficient *this* year, but somehow it never seems to happen?

Oh man, I have to get going on that shopping...baking those Christmas cookies...addressing those cards. My work is cut out for me.

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!

Flu Season Is Here...And What About Bird Flu?

So, it seems flu season is upon us. I haven't been able to get a flu shot--yet--so I'm washing my hands a lot and knocking on wood that I don't get sick. There was supposed to be plenty of flu vaccine this year after last year's supply debacle, but there's a monkeywrench in the works somewhere.

My daughters and grandchildren have had a stomach virus of some type, but I don't think the flu comes with intestinal symptoms. Still, that's no comfort when you're sick. They were pretty miserable, and I hope that particular virus stays away from my door!

There's a lot of talk and concern about the bird flu and the possibility of a pandemic. The way I understand it, the bird flu as it exists now isn't much of a danger, as you have to be in contact with a live bird that has the disease before you can get it. The problem is, viruses mutate frequently, and if this particular flu viruses mutates so it can be passed from person to person instead of bird to person, THAT'S when we'd get that pandemic.

The Hungarians have developed a vaccine for the current form of bird flu. They say they've tested it and it works. But the question is, if the virus mutates, would it mutate enough so a vaccine for the current form wouldn't work against the new one? If so, I assume we'd have to wait to develop a new vaccine until the mutated flu actually struck, which could mean many people would die in the meantime.

What are your thoughts on the possibility of a pandemic version of bird flu? Are you worried? Are you changing your habits because of it? Have you gotten your flu shot this year when you never did before, just in case it helps? I'd love to get your take on it.

Beautiful Fall

We've finally dried out and I'm enjoying the unseasonably warm temperatures we're having right now. The fall colors are beautiful. I've heard some people complain they aren't as vibrant as usual, there aren't as many reds as usual. But to someone having their first New England fall in many, many years, they're incredible! I wander around the house, look out each window, and every window is a picture. Gosh, I wish I could paint. I'll have to learn someday.

I was a little surprised that we only got half a dozen trick-or-treaters here. I suppose it's because of the steep hill we live on. But I enjoyed each and every one. I'm going to try to remember how to post pictures, and add a picture of my granddaughter and grandson on Halloween. I wish I'd been able to see them in person. That's the only down side of moving to New Hampshire...leaving kids and grandkids behind. Aren't they adorable? And no, I'm not prejudiced at all. ;-)

One thing I'm coping with is learning my way around a new neighborhood. After living in one place for the last ten years, it's a challenge to find new grocery stores, new doctors, new restaurants. I've never been terribly good at maps or finding my way to new places, so every time I have to do so, it's a teeth-gritting experience. I have to find my way to the airport next week, and with all the traffic, that will be a real challenge. I think I'll deserve a medal if I make it!

So what's your favorite thing about moving to a new place? What's the biggest challenge? How is your fall going...are you enjoying it?

Rain, Rain, Go Away

New Hampshire has been beautiful up to now, and I swear I've loved every minute. But in the past few days, this "land of sunshine" has turned into Noah's Ark, Part Two. We've caught the tail end ofTropical Storm Rita, and boy, is it producing lots of water! We've gotten about six inches of rain here in the past few days, but other places in the state--not so far away--have gotten hammered. Roads and bridges washed out, houses and buildings destroyed, water undrinkable, and people dead and missing. Nothing like the aftermath of Katrina, of course--except for those who lost their cars, houses, and property. But it serves as a reminder that no place is one hundred percent safe from the ravages of Nature, or Man.

It's amazing to see how destructive water can be. Fire is intrinsically dangerous and we don't wonder when it wipes out a building. But water? This soft, cool, vitally necessary stuff that covers so much of our planet? It doesn't seem possible water could cause a bridge to collapse or a house to come crashing down.

Remember the old margarine commercials with the punch line, "It's not nice to fool Mother Nature"? I guess they weren't kidding, only it should be, "It's not smart to underestimate Mother Nature."

Anyway, how's the weather in YOUR part of the country? Are you waterlogged or bone-dry? Hot or cold? Are the leaves changing where you live, as they are here? I'm settling in for a lovely, cold, snowy New England winter for the first time in many years--if only the rain doesn't wash me away first!

We've Arrived In The Land Of Sunshine

This move has been difficult for us in several ways. First, my husband was not only leaving a job, but also leaving a career in music and starting a career in the finance industry. Second, we were leaving a house, town and location we liked, for the unknown. And third, though not third in importance, we were leaving behind our children and grandchildren.

But there are advantages, too. I've always loved New England--I was born in Massachusetts. So I'm happy to get back here, and just in time for our first New England fall in many years. Also, my mother and sister live nearby, and my dad not too much farther, so I know I'll see them more often.

The housing market here in New Hampshire is crazy...we've ended up with half the house, with about a sixth of the land, for twice the price of what we had in Kansas. But it's a lovely house, built in 1900 so I know it must have an interesting history, and recently remodeled with loving care. It's nice to move into a place that doesn't need immediate renovation, as would everything else we looked at.

I think we knew the move was looking promising when we ate out at a Chinese restaurant a week or so before we moved. My husband's fortune said, "You are traveling to a land of sunshine." So here we are in New Hampshire, a land of sunshine...and happy to be here!

An Adventure In Moving

The biggest news on the home front is, we'll be moving to New Hampshire in a few weeks. From Kansas, that's a big move in many ways. Obviously, it's a lot of miles. It's a huge change in terrain and scenery, and the weather will be different. (I definitely won't miss the tornados of Kansas...but will have to get used to driving in snow again.) We'll also be "downsizing," so will have some pangs as we get rid of treasured pieces of furniture.

But perhaps the worst pang is, this is the first time in twenty-four years we'll be moving without our children. They're all grown and on their own now, and I hate the thought of moving so far away from them. And my grandchildren! What good is a Nana who can't cuddle her grandchildren and give them gifts and candy and spoil them?

I'm thankful for the things we have now that we didn't when I moved out at age 18. I'll be able to keep in touch with my children via e-mail, Instant Messenger, webcam, etc. instead of simply writing letters or making an occasional long-distance call. But I had hoped to be a more regular presence in my grandchildrens' lives, and they're not old enough yet to communicate via e-mail.

At any rate, I'm a New Englander by birth, and I'm looking forward to my first beautiful New England fall in many years. We've found a tiny but lovely house (prices are much higher in New Hampshire), but there's just the two of us now, so it'll work. And I'll be closer to other family members, something to help fill the gap of leaving children and grandchildren behind.

I guess life is full of ups and downs, and mostly this move will be an "up" for us. Have you ever had to leave children or grandchildren behind in a move--or have they left you? How have you handled it?

Summer TV Blahs

Okay, I admit it, I'm a TV addict. At least, I'm a "good TV" addict. I'm not the type who will watch infomercials, or that Christmas station that just shows a yule log burning for days. What I watch has to be GOOD. But if it is, I'm there.

This past year has been agony and ecstasy for me with television. You want the good news or the bad news first? Okay, let's get the bad over with. THEY CANCELLED "ENTERPRISE"! In some ways, that was my dream Star Trek show. Okay, in one way: Scott Bakula. I've loved whatever he's done since the days of "Quantum Leap," so to me he was the perfect choice for a starship captain...intelligent, thoughtful, kind, and of course, good looking. I actually wrote a letter to UPN asking them not to cancel it. They did write me a nice letter in return, but darn it, that wasn't the result I was aiming for. ;-)

Now, the good news: LOST and DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES. I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed these two new shows. The only fly in the ointment is that my husband won't watch them with me, so I have to try to catch them when he's not around, or remember to set the VCR. And with my memory...let's just say, remembering to tape doesn't happen often. I've been a big fan of "disaster flicks" since the prime one, to me anyway: AIRPORT. Now, you wouldn't get me on a real plane...panic attacks, not a pretty sight. But show me AIRPORT and I'm there. So LOST had me from the first episode. And DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES is a fantastic cross between The Stepford Wives and General Hospital. I just love it!

But then the summer comes, and it's all reruns or really strange shows that didn't make it during the rest of the year. What's a TV addict to do?

Well, one idea is to watch movies on video or DVD. We've discovered that our local library loans out (free!) videos and DVDs, and they have a pretty wide selection. Of course, some of the movies we have less interest in than others (Fly Fishing in Ten Easy Lessons!). But we've "rented" lots of great old B&W movies and had a blast.

Sometimes, though, we don't have time to run to the library, so we're back to what's available on the airwaves. One TV phenomenon I've never understood is the reality show. I am as confirmed a reality show-hater as you're going to find. I can't see how plopping an odd assortment of people down on an island and making them eat bugs and vote each other off is anywhere close to reality. Puh-leeze. LOST is a lot closer to reality than those survivor shows. ;-)

But this summer I've found a "reality show" that actually works for me. Care to take a guess which one?

[Imagine the Jeopardy theme music playing]

Time's up! Nope, you're wrong, it's not Superbabysitter, or Who Has the Worst Hair. It's Dancing With the Stars!

No, really. I've always enjoyed watching ballroom dancing...it looks so elegant, so much fun. But I know I'd never be able to do it. I have about five left feet. :-) So this series combined the best of both...the elegance of ballroom dancing, with the angst of watching someone trying, and sometimes failing, to master the steps. This is one reality show I'd watch if they bring it back next year.

So, enough blathering from me. What are YOU watching on TV this summer? Or are you giving the tube a break entirely? What else have you got planned?

Happy Fourth of July!

I want to wish all my American friends and family a Happy Fourth of July. I'm looking forward to the fireworks tonight...in that respect, I've never grown up. ;-) But tonight there will be three generations watching the show together...my husband and me, our oldest daughter, and our two grandchildren. Everyone else is working or occupied elsewhere, which is unfortunate...but I guess someone has to "run things" while the rest of us are off partying!

Of course, there's always a chance the fireworks will be rained out. I just hope Mother Nature will hold off on *her* fireworks until we've finished with ours.

Sometime this month we'll officially become "empty nesters." Our younger daughter moved out last month, and our son is moving out this month. In general, we're looking forward to it--the privacy, the quiet, the reasonable hot water and electricity consumption. ;-) But, I know I'll miss being a daily part of their lives. How many of you are empty nesters now? How have you dealt with it? Any tips to pass on?

Have a great holiday!