Sometimes life just gets in the way.  I've not posted in so long I forgot the password for by blog.  Sad.  I've not been writing as I should.  Again, Life.  Another heart attack, kidney infections, blood pressure problems, etc.   I'm afraid to say this in fear I may jinx myself, but I'm healthy, and have so many characters running through my head, I may never get them all sorted out.

At the moment, I'm working on an adventure type book.  Sort of a female Indiana Jones meets the Da Vinci Code.  Not my usual genre, and the research may kill me, but I'm determined to write it and get it out there for you to read.

Once I'm finish with that, I will write Fugue Macabre Fire Dance, to finish out the Fugue Macabre trilogy.  I've left readers (and my publisher) of the first two waiting too long.

Next in line to be written is a time travel romance.  It will be the beginning of a new series based on a time travel agency named The Counterclockwise Traveler.  This is already promised to a publisher who is patiently waiting.

The book that was being written for a possible TV series has been dropped.  I couldn't come to an agreement with the story line with the producers.  They wanted something along the lines of Dallas and I'm just can't write back stabbing families.  I can only push my conflict meter so far.

So, I think I've caught you up.  If you have any questions for me, you know how to reach me.
XOXO

Golf

Just so I have it in writing: On a 72 par course I shot a 69.  It will never happen again and I'm framing that dang score card.

Sorry About That

Didn't mean to leave you on the Coast, but I've been trying to figure out how to get the photos from the trip downloaded onto this computer. The camera is only four years old but it's program is for the old Windows system and doesn't want to work with the new one.  But I think I have it figured out now and will start posting soon about the vacation again with photographs.

Day Six

Day Six

Napels, the Amalfi Coast.

So much to tell you about in a short space, so forgive the format.

The Treasury of Saint Gennaro: ancient documents, jewels, paintings.

Napels Natural Archaeological Museum: artifacts from Roman Empire and Pompeii. So many museums, so little time.

Pompeii at the base of Mt. Vesuvius, a once thriving empire, was left in ashes after the volcanic eruption in 79 AD. Lots of walking, kids. It's a lot larger than you think.

Then there is the Amalfi Coast, beautiful seasides, cottages and small mansions built side by side along the cliffsides.

Sorrento is a sophisticated summer resort town. Pretty Positano, a haven for artsy types. The maritime vilage of Amalfi is brimming with history. And the isle of Capri is perhaps the gem of them all, with sweeping vistas, lively cafes and blooming gardens.

It was a full day, and let me tell you, there is not a flat piece of land anywhere to be seen. Stairs, hills, Sometimes I felt as if I were hiking Mt. Vesuvius instead of around it.

Spent most of the remaining day with my feet up and my eyes closed.

tomorrow:

Rome

Day Five

Day 5 of Europe Trip

Day at Sea. This will be a short post. Not having a port to escape to I slept until around nine and when to the restaurant for breakfast. I tried my hand (or should I say feet) at climbing the rock wall. I made it to the top, but my knees may never forgive me. It looks easy. It isn't. Gravity hates fat people. LOL

Afterward I walked the pool area, had the drink of the day, Blue Hawaiian Cocktail. White rum, bue Curacao, Pineapple juice, sweet and swour mix, orange juice. Ewwww. Tried the Shot of the day, Beam Me Up
Scotty. Baileys irish creme, creme de banana. Yummm.

Took a nap. LOL

Watched the men's belly flop competition. So funny. Some of those guys really caused a splash. Really.

Went to the Captain's Welcome Aboard Reception. It was nice, free drinks and little finger foods. But there were too many people who let this invitation only event go to their heads. Silly people, you got an invite because you are a Diamond or above member. Get over yourselves.

Tomorrow, Napels, Amalfi Coast.

Day Four of Europe Vacation

October, 23, Day 4 of my European Vacation
Dumbrovnik, Croatia is a place with an old world feel to it.  It's known as The Pearl of the Adriatic Sea.  One of the world's most unique cities.  Not just because of its marble squres and Venetian palaces, or it stunning Barioque churches with satues of Saiint Blaise.  What makes Dubrovnik so special is its remarkable past.  For centuries this bustling seafaring port ruled itself as the Republic of Ragusa.  made up of merchants and diplomats, the city-state thrived on maritime trade and even rivaled Venice.  Ragusa was not only prosperous, but also artistically and socially progressive, abolishing slave trade early on.  After a very long run, the Republic fell to Napoleon's troops and ultimately became a part of Croatia.
Today, the sheer beauty of its impeccably preserved old town never ceases to amaze me.  Though it's been destroyed many times, neither earthquakes nor a seige could ever shake the spirit of its people.  Walking along the wall gives a spectacular view of the old city. Placa is the main pedestrian promenade, lined with shops and cafes.  And beyond the walled city, there are ample beaches, dense woodland and lush islands to explore.
Walking within the old city my writer's mind kept seeing people dressed in earlier time period clothing, walking the marble streets, going from shop to shop.  What a place to set a historical or time-travel romance.  Something about the city has kept the atmosphere.  You close your eyes and you swear, if you peek, you'll find yourself transported back to the 13 century.
Tomorrow, a day at sea.  Oh, God help me, look at those cookies.

Day Three

Saturday, Octover 22
Ugg, we waited for an hour for the bus to the ship.  We finally crossed the street and got in line for the People Mover.  We stood in line for another hour only to find out the line was for people wanting to store their luggage.  Turns out we could have just walked into the building and caught the People Mover.  Oh, well, live an learn, right?
It's amazing when you compare the USA with Europe when it comes to public transportation.  Here in Europe there is always a way to get where you're going, and you don't have to own a car.  In Italy I see a lot of scooters, of course, but most people use the People Movers, trains, buses, or their own two feet.  In America we must have a car if we don't live along a bus line or take a taxi.  But most American's would rather die than take a bus.  I hate to admit it, I hate buses.  But I digress.
We got off the People Mover at the port, walk (and walk...did i mention Eruopean people do a lot of walking?) to the Port entrance, then have walk at least a friggin' mile to the check-in area for Royal Caribbean Cruises.  We can see the Voyager of the Seas out the window.  Whew, that ship is BIG.  Anyway, since we're Diamond Plus members our check is is quick and flawless.  We walk (here we go again) out the building, up a ramp that has three levels, all steep.  We finaly are on the ship and find ourselves in the Royal Promenade.  Really impressive.  It's lined with all kinds of shops, windows filled with grand jewelry, clothings, chocolates.  Toward the end is a food court area, but not like any shopping mall food court, mind you.  Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream, Coffee House, then there is the jewelry cases filled with food.  From six in the morning till eleven a.m. is pasteries, biscuit sandwiches, and other finger style breakfast foods.  At eleven it changed over to sandwiches, cakes, pies, and the most glorious cookies you ever put in your mouth.  They had one called Mississippie Mud Slide, oh man, they are so good. 
Sorry, got carried away on the food.  Our room was really nice.  Very large, huge bath, huge walk in closet, pleanty of storage space, queen sized bed, a couch, twoi chairs, coffee table and a large balcony.  There was a basket of goodies on the counter, several bottles of free water (you're very grateful for this once you see the price of any drinks on the ship), and an invitation to a private party with the captain.  We spent the rest of the day exploring the ship, such things as the ice skating rink, the rock climbing wall, pool area, finding the restaurants, movie  theater and live theaters.  Again, whew, this ship is big. 
Tomorrow we will be iin Dubrovnik, Croatia.