The truth is, I haven’t managed to write a word for weeks. Bopping around the country (mostly between Colorado and Illinois and Colorado and California) certainly put a few obstacles in my “get things done at home and in my office” plan. However, I did accomplish a few good things over the last few months, and I do seem to be recovering from my strep throat infection okay.

Taking it easy for a few days helps.

And what do I do when I decide to take it easy?

I take longer than usual naps.

I whine when my dear husband suggests I go to the store or do some laundry so he will feel sorry for me and do it himself.

I fix easy meals (like tonight’s big salad with lettuce and spinach from my own garden). I add sliced carrots, cherry tomatoes, chicken pieces browned in apricot jam, Newman’s Own Poppy Seed Dressing, blue cheese crumbles, and sunflower seeds.

I read. Last night I started Stephen King’s 11/22/63 with the firm commitment to finish it in one week. That means I have a commitment to a lot of down time because this is a really big book.

What’s Next?

Blogging. It’s time to get back to a real schedule. My guest this coming Thursday is mystery writer Edith Maxwell, author of A Tine to Live, A Tine to Die. It’s a local food mystery.

I owe my critique group three critiques, and I need to send out my next submission by Tuesday. It’s time to get serious about writing again…and then maybe I can write about getting back into the swing of writing.

Book reviews. I have finished four of those five books I want to review. Honestly, if you haven’t read the first three Gary Reilly Asphalt Warrior books, I can only ask, “Why not?” I love Murph the Denver cab driver so much. Detailed reviews coming soon.

And yes, I have more trips to take, and I’ll usually be without access to the Internet when I’m gone. It’s just the way 2013 has rolled out for me.  I must go with the flow.

After this bout of strep, however, I will be way more wary of germs when I’m in airports and airplanes from now on. If you see a gray-haired lady in jeans wiping down doorknobs, tables, and nearby passengers at DIA, SJC, SFO, or BMI with antibacterial wipes, it will probably be me.