Sunny Days and Soap

I've always preferred gloomy days to sunny, but once in a while I crave the warmth of the sun's rays on my face. I anticipate and prepare for the heat of July and August, but I handle it well because of the expected wet months of May and June. It's been an unseasonably hot May, which doesn't bode well for this part of the country. When it's this hot and dry this early in the season, there's a greater chance of fires come summer. I for one could use a month of rainstorms, wind, and temperatures that dip down into the low 30's at night. We were cheated out of a proper winter this year, and it looks like we'll be cheated out of our rainy spring.

Because I don't handle heat too well, I go out early in the day for nice long walks with the pups, enjoy some outdoor chores or a hike, and then I spend most of my summer afternoons on indoor projects. This weekend I got a batch of goat's milk lavender soap and lavender cream whipped up. I also spent a good deal of time with the Gallaghers. Yes, they are back and I'm enjoying every second I get to spend with them. We're back at Hawk's Peak ranch, but this time Christmas is coming up and the family has an unexpected visitor. At least I can envision the cold winter and snow while I'm writing, even if it is 70+ degrees outside.

I should tell you more about the next Gallagher book, but I'm not going to just yet. Mum's the word when this author is still in the semi-early stages of a writing a book. I can tell you that it's not a typical Christmas story. I can also tell you that a new Crooked Creek short story will be out in a month or so, and that should tide you over until the Gallaghers are ready for you to join them.

If you've been following my blog tour, you might have seen the interview at Jorie Loves a Story last week. If not, I invite you stop by and sit with us while we visit.

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend, and many wishes for a happy and productive week ahead.