A Busy Season

by Catherine Dilts

Monday was the book release day for The Body in the Hayloft, book three in the Rose Creek Mystery series. I experienced many frustrating delays getting this novel to readers. But finally, here it is! I’m excited to present the next adventure for the Rose Creek Reads book club amateur sleuths.

When I’m asked whether I’m working or retired, I hesitate. Technically, I’m retired. That’s the box to check on soulless forms. But retirement doesn’t mean I’m not working! Can I get an “amen” from my fellow authors?

Wooly mammoth - extinct or not? Hmm.

Most of us who are retired, or who don’t work a “day job,” stay plenty busy. Volunteer work. Family care (of elders or children). Sports. Our own health challenges.

Writers? We have a small business to run.

I took a day off before Thanksgiving to go on a family outing. Several of us met up at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science to see the Lego exhibit.

Me visiting Brick Planet

We all viewed the Brick Planet Lego exhibit, and then the Secret World of Elephants exhibit. I annoyed the grandchildren by calling them “oliphaunts” like Samwise Gamgee in the Lord of the Rings. After seeing the two temporary exhibits, our group split up and headed for different regions inside the museum. Space or Prehistoric Journey?  

A few nights later, we attended a dance recital at the Broadmoor. The ballroom is elegant. Merida Bass (my daughter and co-author) and her husband dazzled with a cha cha, while our youngest grandchild looked far too grown-up at age fifteen in her flashy costumes. Dazzling, but Grandma wasn’t quite ready to see the baby of the family looking so spicy.

Merida and Ron looking sharp at the Broadmoor

We took a year off from Thanksgiving. Our daughters were at other family gatherings. We’re hosting a party later in December. While we were invited to multiple dinners, we opted to stay home. We just plain wanted a quiet day.

The rest of the year will be busy with book releases (yes, two) and a book signing event. Not to mention the holidays! A day off here and there is necessary. 

I hope your holidays are merry, not maddening, and your plans are fun, not frenetic.