It’s been another week of blistering heat, marked by yesterday topping out at 100 degrees, according to http://www.accuweather.com. There were a couple of rainstorms–no thunder at all– which did little to break into the heat cycle. Today and tomorrow it’s supposed to be 98 degrees before dropping into the lower 90s and eventually into the upper 80s by the end of the week.
We had the same wild critter visitors all week, including a near-daily appearance by a young buck and doe. It’s been great to see them. One of the squirrels decided to check out our cats, coming onto the deck. Since we screened in the open end of the deck when we moved in so the cats could get outside, all they could do was watch the squirrel from their side. The squirrel seemed emboldened until I stepped onto the deck, and then it scurried away to the safety to the trees.
The Detroit Tigers are going through a bad patch right now and I hope they can break out of it soon. Their record is now 60-44, losing eleven of their last twelve games.. While they’re still in first place in the American League’s Central Division, their commanding lead of thirteen games has dwindled to seven over second place Cleveland. Hopefully, they’ll be able to bounce back soon!
“If something inside of you is real, we will probably find it interesting, and it will probably be universal. So you must risk placing real emotion at the center of your work. Write straight into the emotional center of things.” — Anne Lamott. Compliments of https://www.nicolemgulotta.com/blog/25-inspirational-quotes.
So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on July 27th, the thirtieth Sunday of 2025 and the four and final one in July. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).
Jakob Aall, Norwegian journalist and statesman; Thomas Campbell, Scottish poet (Hohenlinden, Battle of the Baltic); Denis Davydov, Russian general and poet; Giosuè Carducci, Italian writer and Nobel Prize Laureate 1906 regarded as the official national poet of modern Italy; Vladimir Korolenko, Russian writer (The Blind Musician); Hilaire Belloc, Anglo-French author (Path to Rome); Francesco Gaeta, Italian poet (Il Libro Della Giovinezza); Michail Stasinopoulos, Greek lawyer, educator, writer, and politician (President of Greece, 1974-75); Robert L. May, American advertising copy writer and creator of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer; Jerzy Giedroyc, Polish writer and political activist; Julien Gracq [Louis Poirier], French writer (Andre Breton); Rayner Heppenstall, English novelist (The Blaze of Noon); Hilde Domin [Hilde Palm], German writer and poet; Eva Jones, German poet and novelist (Taboo); Vittorio Sereni, Italian poet (Diario d’Algeria); Vincent Canby, American movie critic (NY Times); Gisele Halimi, Tunisian-French lawyer, feminist and author; Jack Higgins [Harry Patterson], British novelist (The Eagle Has Landed); John Pleshette, American actor and screenwriter (Knots Landing – “Richard”; 7th Avenue; The Trial of Lee Harvey Oswald); and Cat Bauer, American novelist (Harley, Like a Person).
Any names familiar to you? There was one for me this week Jack Higgins. Whether you recognize anyone on the list or not, if today’s your special day I hope you have a great one!
My Work In Progress
I’m rolling along with editing chapters in the manuscript of Harding’s Challenge: The Great Rebellion based on reader feedback. All chapters are now posted to the two online subscription sites I use. There were another four new chapter reviews this week, bringing the total to 268. As always, plenty of feedback to improve the story.
Here’s another snippet:
Captain Finlay “Finn” Harding leaned on his ebony cane as he stood under an oak tree outside the barracks where he resided while recovering from a leg injury he suffered at the Battle of Gettysburg. Unlike most of the officers in his wing of the barracks who had one or more limbs amputated, Harding still had both of his legs. There was minor damage caused by a Minié ball, which killed his horse and struck his right leg, but the Union surgeon was able to treat him by removing the ball, foreign substances, and bone splinters. He was fortunate when his horse was shot to be able to jump clear. Even so, he still required a brace on his leg.
Finn hobbled to the camp table set up for him to receive his visitors.
An aide brought him a cup of coffee, a welcome respite to ward off the autumn chill.
Finn eased his right leg into an L-shape so he could massage the side of his knee where the brace chafed. He stood when he spotted a black woman and a white man approaching.
As they neared, he doffed his hat. “Thank you for agreeing to meet with me.”
Harriet Tubman nodded. “It is with great honor I meet with one of the Union’s bravest soldiers, risking life and limb to preserve the Union. I once said, ‘Slavery in the next thing to hell.” That is why I risk my life to help others less fortunate than me. What is your reason?”
Finn shrugged. “I am doing what is necessary to keep our country together. I am proud to be an American, and we all deserve the same chances at success—including the enslaved people you help to rescue.”
“I prayed to God to make me strong and able to fight, and that’s what I’ve always prayed for ever since.” Harriet smiled. “Whenever you need to send messages, my ‘railroad’ will always be at your disposal.”
“Ahem.” Charles Magnus cleared his throat. “Don’t forget about me. I understand I might be of some service?”
“Yes, sir.” Finn gestured toward the German printer. “I have enjoyed examining your pro-Union envelopes and song sheets. I was wondering if I could tempt you to write some coded messages into your songs so I can distributed instructions to others in my employ.”
Charles nodded. “Of course. It would be my honor to do so.”
“Excellent. In due time I shall provide you with the requisite information.” Finn glanced from Charles to Harriet. “I thank you both for your time. May our efforts continue to flourish.”
More next time.
This brings us to an end for another week. I hope you found something of interest. If you have any suggestions for a topic you’d like to read about, please let me know. Until the next time, thank you for reading and hope you drop in again.
© Copyright 2025 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved
