The Girdle of Melian

early travel roundup! Last year's travel roundup is here . Then there was our Christmas trip to Finland! I have a LOT of photos to share from that, so I'll put them in the next post. Teaser photos here ! January: Annecy, France March: Olympic Museum in Lausanne August: Zurich ! And James Joyce's grave September: Lausanne aquarium And the Swiss Vapeur Parc (mini trains!) October: Rath Museum in Geneva And various autumn photos November: Manchester , to see Rhys Darby! More of Larksong ! Bit of a longer snip today, with some conflict and some flirtation... Larksong is set in Montreal, July 1914. In chapter 1, Alice, after her grandmother's funeral, arrived at the family cottage to take care of her grandmother's aviary, only to find that her parents had already leased the cottage to another family for the summer. The only way she could have one more summer in her favourite place was to surreptitiously take on the role of governess to

omplications... Here comes some more conflict! Larksong is set in Montreal, July 1914. In chapter 1, Alice, after her grandmother's funeral, arrived at the family cottage to take care of her grandmother's aviary, only to find that her parents had already leased the cottage to another family for the summer. The only way she could have one more summer in her favourite place was to surreptitiously take on the role of governess to the two young girls... In chapter 2, we met George, laid up at the hospital with a broken leg. Instead of joining his friends on a Grand Tour of Europe, he's being sent off to recuperate at a rented cottage in the country... In chapter 3, we returned to Alice's point of view, and saw her bonding with George's younger sisters. Then she got a surprise -- George was arriving at the cottage that very day! In chapter 4, we had a hint that Alice finds George attractive and interesting -- but also unbearably rude. In chapter 5, they ha

have a list! But first, a bit more of Larksong ! Larksong is set in Montreal, July 1914. In chapter 1, Alice, after her grandmother's funeral, arrived at the family cottage to take care of her grandmother's aviary, only to find that her parents had already leased the cottage to another family for the summer. The only way she could have one more summer in her favourite place was to surreptitiously take on the role of governess to the two young girls... In chapter 2, we met George, laid up at the hospital with a broken leg. Instead of joining his friends on a Grand Tour of Europe, he's being sent off to recuperate at a rented cottage in the country... In chapter 3, we returned to Alice's point of view, and saw her bonding with George's younger sisters. Then she got a surprise -- George was arriving at the cottage that very day! In chapter 4, we had a hint that Alice finds George attractive and interesting -- but also unbearably rude. In chapter 5, th

rafting roundup for 2023! Winter I posted my 2022 crafts roundup and cited new goals for 2023: One friend has requested a shawl; I'd like to try something fancy (before next Christmas!). I'd like to try yet another complicated Kate Davies pattern. And finish the blanket/wrap I started last year! I didn't do any of this, except that I finished the wrap! I also knit a new hat featuring a moth and baked piña colada cookies, and made mantı ! The same post features cake, paper dolls, sewing projects, earrings by a friend's daughter, and me trying espresso with a lemon twist! Spring Knitting with Our Flag Means Death-inspired wool ! Chocolate cake baking class with Samba Schutte ! Summer Cookies from a recipe in a story ! Autumn Still working on the Our Flag Means Death scarf Birthday cake and a new baby blanket ! Cupcake baking class with Samba Schutte ! Mostly, I was writing! Update coming soon. Meanwhile, a short snip from Larksong : Larksong

he Tolkien Birthday Toast! "To celebrate Tolkien’s 132nd birthday on 3 January 2024, the Tolkien Society invites all Tolkien fans to raise a toast to the Professor .   The Toast After Bilbo left the Shire on his eleventy-first birthday in The Lord of the Rings , Frodo toasted his uncle’s birthday each year on 22 September. J.R.R. Tolkien was born in Bloemfontein on 3 January 1892, and we invite you to celebrate the birthday of this much loved author by raising a glass at 9pm your local time. The toast is simply: The Professor! All you need to do is stand, raise a glass of your choice of drink (not necessarily alcoholic), and say the words “The Professor” before taking a sip (or swig, if that’s more appropriate for your drink). Sit and enjoy the rest of your drink." Today is also Insecure Writer's Support Group Day! Insecure Writer's Support Group A database resource site and support group for writers and authors. Featuring weekly guests and t