Over the weekend Wayne and I purchased a dog.  Not just any dog, but a fluffy black-and-white puppy about six weeks old and the size of a very cute rat!  He is a mix of Pomeranian and Shih Tzu,  and his name is Bogart Beauregard Macomber.  He is as smart as his foster daddy, Wayne, and as cute as any of the grandkids.  Pictures to follow next week!

My staff took me to lunch today for my official birthday.  Renate, Wanda, Heidi and Carol all know me so well and their gifts to me reflected that.  Heidi gave me a plaque with an Erma Bombeck saying that I thought I would share with you.  It read:  When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say.  “I used everything You gave me.”  My wish is that I will be able to say the very same thing.

My editor is flying in this afternoon for a time of work and play.  It’s always a great time when the two of us can get together.  I love to bounce plot ideas off her.  For sheer fun we’re heading to Leavenworth (the Bavarian town in Washington that several of my Christmas books are based in) for an autographing and Oktoberfest.  Then on Monday I’m off to attend career-oriented workshops in California.  The folks at 92 Pacific Blvd. are not happy that I’m leaving them up in the air once again.  I can already hear them grumbling in the background. 

I have hot weekend plans with the grandkids.  Jazmine and I are taking a spooky cupcake decorating class Saturday morning and then in the afternoon Maddy and I are birthday shopping and getting our nails done.  Sunday afternoon Bailey and Carter are coming to visit.  We’re picking apples and making homemade apple cider.  It’s going to be busy and fun at the Macomber household this weekend!

Last year I met my neighbor, who just happens to be Delilah—yes, THAT Delilah.  She's the top female radio personality in the country.  She happens to live a mile or so from my house, and we’ve gotten to be good friends.  Although we make an effort to get together every week, with her schedule and mine that isn't always possible.  She's quite the character,  and if you listen to her radio program you know that she has a wonderful heart.  Her book, LOVE MATTERS, is currently available.  I had tears in my eyes even before I finished the first letter.  It’s an incredible read. 

I once heard it said there are two types of people in the world.  Those who wake and say Good Morning, God! and those who say Good God, morning.  I’ve been blessed with the happy gene and generally wake up in a great mood.  And with good reason:  I live a blessed life.

One such blessing came to me this morning on the drive to the swimming pool at 5:30 a.m.  It was still pitch dark out ,  and the moon was full and huge and seemed to fill the entire sky.  Ah, what a gorgeous moon!  I sincerely doubt that anyone could gaze at that moon and not feel incredibly blessed.

New York was incredible, fabulous and fun, but after a week away it feels mighty good to snuggle up with my sweetheart.  Today I’m back in the office ready and eager to return to Cedar Cove.  My characters get downright cranky when I stay away too long.  Charlotte is giving me a real earful, so I best cut this short.  The dear woman is beside herself with frustration.  It used to be my husband and my kids; now I have to contend with my characters!

I’m off to a women’s retreat this weekend with my dearest sisters in Christ and then Monday morning Renate (my assistant) and I are flying to New York for my annual round of planning meetings for the coming year.  A little birdie told me there just might be a couple of surprises in store for me while I'm there, this being my birthday month. With the fabulous food in the Big Apple, chances are any festivities will probably involve to-die-for meals.  That means a repeat of what happened in San Francisco.  I’m destined to return with the thighs that ate New York.  I’m sure there’ll be lots to tell once I return on the 13th. 

September was filled with family and friends.  My brother flew in for his 40th class reunion.  Our dear friends Marsha and Gary Roche were in town for a visit, too.  They live on the east coast,  and this was their first trip to the Pacific Northwest.  Then last weekend Wayne and I hosted the Guideposts Advisory Cabinet.

October looks to be just as busy.   I'll be in New York and California on author business, and, of course, plan to be home to enjoy Halloween with the grandkids.  And then there's the writing . . . I will meet my writing goals; I will meet my writing goals.