C is for Cookie

Who is with me, Mrs. Fields in South Towne at 11, Fashion Place at noon and Layton Hills at 1...sounds good to me :)

Rain, rain, go away...

Really, if it is going to rain, I want to be under a pretty yellow umbrella like this one...actually rain makes me want to stay inside, bake some cookies and watch the precipitation soak the Earth.

Sunbreaks

Greg Messel, my father-in-law, has spent his new-found time since retiring by writing a novel. It is titled, Sunbreaks. It was just released today and we are all very excited about it. He has always had a passion for writing, his first job was with the Rocket Miner newspaper in Rock Springs--alas, he had to put that talent a bit on hold as he worked his way up the career ladder and supported his growing family. Now that he and my mom-in-law are living it up in Seattle he has been drawn to the art again and after writing his life story (a very poignant and well-written story that let all of us get to know him better) he decided to write a book.

Check it out:

Tom is a middle-aged man who works in downtown Portland, Oregon. His wife is killed suddenly when her car is hit by a drunk driver. Tom goes into a period of isolation for almost two years; his life sinks into a time of grayness and gloom. Then, a bright light named Erika comes into his life. She is a dazzling young woman who he meets, quite by accident, at the coffee shop which he frequents each morning. Tom and Erika have an instant connection. They formulate a plan to become companions and to begin enjoying all of their interests again but as platonic friends. They are both tired of being alone but do not want to play all of the dating games. As the year progresses, Tom and Erika become more and more comfortable with each other thanks to a series of unexpected crisis that ensue. Tom is falling more deeply in love with Erika each day. Erika continues to take it slow and wants to be just friends. Tom keeps his love for her a secret as he patiently waits for Erika to want more from their relationship.

This past summer was a little weird, I worked a lot, we didn't go anywhere, it rained for a solid month, then before we knew it school/fall were upon us. It is nice to be back in the swing of things, I have actually stuck to an exercise regime (thanks Nat!) and the best season of all is practically here. Mmmm, crunchy leaves, I can't wait to stomp on you...