HELLO FROM CATHERINE

Every time I come here to post a new letter, I do so with the hope that my life will be calmer by the time I write to you again. I am finally reaching a new level of understanding about life, namely that it's seldom calm, at least not for me. In other words, if it isn't one thing, it's another—and if I'm smart, I'll get used to it.

As many of you know, we have been planning to remodel our home. Because of that darned "one thing or another," we've never gotten the project off the ground until now. This time, God willing, we're actually starting! I have been in the moving process for the last couple of months. We will be living in our log cabin along the river while our main residence is renovated, so, yes, it requires moving. Picture me scratching my head and wondering about several mysteries. First mystery: Who bought all this stuff? Second mystery: Why did that dumb person buy all this stuff? Third mystery: Why didn't that person ever use any of this stuff? Fourth question: If no one uses it, should we keep it?

Needless to say, I'm getting rid of a lot of stuff. And therein is the crazy part. We have stuff to go to the cabin so we can live there. We have stuff going into storage. We have stuff going to charity. Just imagine the confusion, and it isn't even moving day yet.

In the meantime, I've been writing. That, at least, is a sane corner of my life where nothing changes unless I think it should. I find that comforting and reassuring, given the fact that I have so little control over all other corners of my life at the moment.

On the book front, orders for COMANCHE MOON from wholesalers have been phenomenal, so my publisher is delighted and so am I. I am very interested to see how well this favorite of mine does in actual sales. I hope all you who haven't read COMANCHE MOON will take a chance on it, even if you're a confirmed contemporary fan, and I also hope all of you who have been searching for new copies of the title will be there at point of sale as well. If COMANCHE MOON does nicely, then I'm fairly confident that my publisher will purchase the rights to my other out-of-print titles, which will make them readily available to all of my readers again.

On a personal front, my deer are back. They appeared last Sunday, and I had no food out for them. In fact, I had no food for them on hand, period. Because I won't be living here this summer, I hadn't intended to rectify that, but my son can't bear the thought of their coming here and finding nothing. They were so cute, all of them gathering around their empty dishes, their expressions mournful as they gazed at our windows, searching for the Treat Lady. Since I'll be coming up on a daily basis to check on the work that is being done on the house, I guess I'll stock up on deer treats and put them out each evening, as I've always done. My herd of furry friends is thin and shaggy from a very hard winter. They will appreciate the little extras, I'm sure, and they always come to count on the fresh water as well, so I'll also be buying a new trough this spring. Sigh. Now I'll have babies at both places to pamper all summer. At the cabin, I will have baby goslings and hummingbirds, to mention only a few species.

My cottontail bunnies have enjoyed their treats this winter, and in my opinion, it's a tossup trying to decide who's cutest, the deer or the rabbits. And, of course, I can't forget my miniature friends, the chipmunks, who are just now coming from their dens to enjoy summertime. Only, hello, the weather isn't warm yet, so it may be a while before I have chipmunks out in force. Kibbles, my little old lady dog, is getting blind and deaf. I am so hopeful that she will be able to enjoy one last season of chasing the chipmunks. I will make a point of bringing her home with me when we come to check the house and feed the wild critters so she will have an opportunity to play during our warm season.

Well, my friends, Parker Harrigan is calling my name. I must go finish his story! Big hugs to all of you. This summer, dust off your hammock, make some iced tea, and settle back to enjoy yourselves with a good read.

All the best,

Catherine