Good Morning, Everyone.

I’m back! Happy Belated New Year!

I am writing from sunny (but really overcast cold and rainy) Florida. Lots have been going on, but to save writing and reading time, I will tell you what is happening now. Pour your brew. Let’s catch up. 

If we were having coffee together, I would say I have no real excuses for my quiet absence. In a nutshell, distractions and detours hampered my writing. 2024 snuck up so quickly! I am working toward establishing workable routines and setting practical priorities. 

If we were having coffee together, I would report that Matt and I have been traveling this month. We dodged dicey weather driving south and stopped in South Carolina to see daughter and family, and celebrate granddaughter’s 10th birthday. 10! How did that happen so fast? My grandma was right when she advised not to blink—“Grandchildren grow faster than your own.” 

We made it to my Mom’s place in Florida that overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway, where pelicans and dolphins stop by. Her condo is close to cousins, my sister and brother, and Florida friends, so it’s been a fun break despite the cool weather. 

We had planned to meet Mom in Florida when we arrived, but she had been reluctant to leave home. A nasty cold, lingering cough and nagging fatigue weakened her resolve. Her 18-year-old cat died a few weeks before, loneliness took on a new level. But she wanted to see my brother in Florida since he had some health issues. The warmer weather and dolphins are also an enticement. 

Before Matt and I left on our road trip, she rearranged her non-stop flight to Vero Beach from our nearby airport in Islip. My sister, in New York, got a pass to go through security with her and wait until she boarded. It was a late night flight. Matt came with me to drive the car around the airport while I gathered Mom at the arrival gate. 

The Vero Beach airport had little security. We parked the car next to the arrival door which was also the entrance to a restaurant which was closed on Sunday nights. Once the plane landed, someone opened the door, and I followed a roped pathway through the restaurant, past a phone booth with a mannequin dressed as a stewardess and out the back door. I waited at the gate overlooking the runway. Mom was wheeled out onto a ramp with several switchbacks. The attendant struggled to steer the wheelchair without bumping into the sides. Good thing Mom is relatively sturdy and a good sport.

If we were having coffee together, I would add that it’s been a delightful visit. The weather was not beach-able. We walked to the beaches, had some tasty meals, and lots of laughs. Matt fished from the bulkhead. I swam laps in the 84° community pool. We will head for home next week where I hope snow, ice and frigid temps have abated. 

If we were having coffee together, I would report that the first week in February is Children’s Author Illustrator Week. The festivities aim to promote literacy in an engaging and interactive way. Children of all ages participate in activities and events designed to encourage a lifelong love of reading.

I have several activities planned, but there is not enough time to celebrate Children’s Author and Illustrators in seven short days. I am taking it upon myself to extend the party through February. Here’s a little preliminary video to start the fun. 

ATTENTION Teachers, Librarians, PTA/PTO Officers, Home School Parents 

I am offering FREE book readings this month. Now is the time to schedule a FREE virtual author visit with me and my picture book, Famous Seaweed Soup, or the Tween/Teen Historical Fiction series Becoming America’s Stories. Discover how these stories became award-winning books, and delighted readers of all ages. 

Are you on Long Island, NY? We can talk about a LIVE visit. 

Please fill out the form and we’ll get started.

Stay tuned for more updates.

Great BIG Thanks and appreciation go out to Natalie the Explorer who keeps the Weekend Coffee Share percolating.

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Are you or someone you know a teacher, librarian, home school parent and/or PTA/PTO member? Sign up for my newsletter to stay in the know of my “There’s an Author in Our School“ events and programs. Click HERE.

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