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Lynn Cahoon's avatar

My time in August seemed to be mostly puttering. I got a time wrong on a doc appointment (thanks iphone for being smarter than me, but really not.) I finished one book, started another and worked with edits on another. I'm currently reading the book of doors and think I picked up the time travel with this month's early prime read. I just finished Court of Thorn and Roses, an newly banned book, but I'm confused on what the pornography part was... Today I'm on the coast opposite of your beach - OBX, NC. We'll be here for a week and I'm sure I'll finish at least one more book. Enjoy your travel.

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Barbara ONeal's avatar

LOL on the pornography in Court. I still haven't read it, and really should get to it. Enjoy your reading!

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Cathy Kelley's avatar

Puttering was my mother's favorite pastime and I've found it fun too in my retirement. Just fixing the little things, like deadheading the flowers on the deck, or cleaning the big back window the dog always noses up to...

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Barbara ONeal's avatar

It's so calming. I've always done it, even when I was a teenager. If I felt moody or out of sorts, I'd reorganize my bedroom.

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Jan Grayzel's avatar

August was a "surgery recovery" month for me. I read a lot, one of the books being "In the Midnight Rain." I loved it and found it both fascinating and also sad to think back to those times during the Vietnam War. Such a senseless loss of lives. Thoroughly enjoyed all of the characters, along with the many reveals as the book came to an end. Any hints about your book set to be released next summer?

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Barbara ONeal's avatar

I'm so happy you enjoyed Midnight Rain, and yes, Vietnam left a big wake of destruction.

Hint on new book: it's a road trip story, two women on a quest.

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Jan Grayzel's avatar

Can't wait to read it!

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Doc's avatar

August brought days of rain, rain which refilled the partially dried out pond. The new rain created a small moat around the grassy mound that still poked out of the center. The rain also rejuvenated the roses, which had been decimated by beetles in July. They continue to thrive and the highlight of my day is seeing what’s opened up every morning. I also went to a meeting of senior (in terms of age) Democrats in the county, and ended up volunteering in the office several times a week. It’s chaotic, and wonderful to feel that my work contributes something positive to the outcome of this election, even if I’m only answering phones or wrangling lawn signs…Most of my writing has been fan fiction, while I figure out what’s next. Safe and joyful travels, Barbara!

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Barbara ONeal's avatar

Every bit of volunteering matters SO MUCH. Thanks for doing that. I'm writing post cards.

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Regina Mastrogiacomo's avatar

Summer months are very busy for me since I'm a Pet Sitter and I'm busy, busy, busy. I read a lot. I just finished, "Within Arm's Reach," by Ann Napolitano. and, "The Witches of El Paso," by Luis Jaramillo, this one is very mysterious and mythical. coming out in October.

I love nature during the summer even if its hot. I love the trees and flowers and the clear skies at night.

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Barbara ONeal's avatar

Ooh, the Jaramillo sounds intriguing!

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Toni McIntyre's avatar

August is a birthday month in our family so there were a bunch of 22year olds dressed in gnome (some sheer brilliance in costumes I can tell you) theme for a the better part of one weekend for my Son and then friends and family for mine (no dress ups though) good food, whales breaching on the Queensland coast in Australia.. June - September pure magic with the whale migration birthing and return with calfs

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Barbara ONeal's avatar

Sounds positively magical, Toni!

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Kathy Branfield's avatar

August just flew by for me but July seemed to drag. I can't believe it's September already. I didn't go anywhere this summer. I had elbow surgery and the recovery period has been long. But I kept busy with reading and doing things with my friends. We stayed indoors as much as possible because we had another summer of triple digit temperatures. Like you, I puttered around with my flowers, I quit drinking years ago and have never regretted it. Not that I drank much but I often got migraines from just one beer or glass of wine. not worth it! Have a lovely September!

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Barbara ONeal's avatar

Sorry about the long recovery--and the heat! Soon, you'll be emerging into cooler temps with a much improved elbow.

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Carol's avatar

August was mostly at home, until a somewhat last minute trip to Iceland at the end of the month. I too did a lot of puttering - I get up before my husband most days, so I empty the dishwasher and put away the hand washing, pick up and put away things that have migrated from their places - I find it a grounding way to start my day.

Looking forward to my own fall travel - another Camino, the Douro Valley, England, and my first trip to Venice (!). Also looking forward to hearing about your travels, and imagining how they’ll find their way into a book.

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Barbara ONeal's avatar

I'm surprised to hear that in your vast wanderings you've never wandered into Venice. Will love hearing about it. I thought about adding a few days on to the Tuscany trip to visit, but decided I'd be tired of being on the road by then and wouldn't properly appreciate it. And I'd like to go with Neal. Buen Camino!

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Louise Atthey's avatar

Loved this, gatherings of friends and a trip to Tuscany 💕

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Barbara ONeal's avatar

It was pretty wonderful.

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Sep 8
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Toni McIntyre's avatar

did you happen to read 'The Seven Skins of Esther Wilding' by Holly Ringland while you were there? Set between Tasmania, Copenhagen and The Faroe Islands.. I LOVED IT

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Sep 9
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Toni McIntyre's avatar

Currently she is in my top 20 authors

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Barbara ONeal's avatar

Such evocative place names--Copenhagen and Faroe Islands! Puffins live out in the seastacks in the summer but I've yet to see more than a flash of one. Keep meaning to get a better camera/scope. What a great summer!

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