It’s hard to believe but our son turned forty-seven yesterday! A belated happy birthday to him!!
The wildlife continue to drop in, with many wild turkeys and even some of the deer venturing closer to the back of the house. They’re always a thrill to see, but we have to be quiet at they are quite sky and take off at the slightest unfamiliar sound.
As we head into the last weekend of August and Labor Day approaches, the searing heat seems to have left. Over the past week the temperature rarely made it to mid-80, although it’s been a welcome relief. No rain for the past week, the first time in a long time. Hope everyone has an enjoyable Labor Day weekend!
Over the past week, it’s been a tough run for the Detroit Tigers, winning just once and dropping five games. Even with the poor showing their record is still 79-58 and they remain in first place in the American League Central Division, 8.5 games ahead of second place Kansas City. I hope they get back to their winning ways this week!
This week saw the first games of the 2025 NCAA football season for the Michigan Wolverines and the Michigan State Spartans, with both teams winning. The Wolverines (ranked 14th) defeated New Mexico 34-17, while the Spartans (unranked) slipped past Western Michigan 23-6. Both teams play again next Saturday.
I do not over-intellectualise the production process. I try to keep it simple: Tell the damned story.” — Tom Clancy. Compliments of https://www.writersdigest.com/whats-new/72-of-the-best-quotes-about-writing.
So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on August 31t, the thirty-fifth Sunday of 2025 and the fifth and final one in August. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).
Alexander Radishchev, Russian writer (Journey from St. Petersburg to Moscow); Théophile Gautier, French writer, historian and poet (Albertus, La Chanson de Roland, Émaux et camées); DuBose Heyward, American novelist (Porgy; Star Spangled Virgin); Ramon de Basterra, Spanish writer and diplomat (La Obra de Trajano); Albert Facey, Australian writer (A Fortunate Life); Félix-Antoine Savard, French Canadian priest and novelist; Marianne Bruns, German writer; Dore Schary, American producer, writer and director (Act 1, Boys Town, Big City); Sal Tas, Dutch journalist (Het Parool); William Shawn, American magazine editor (New Yorker, 1952-87); William Saroyan, American novelist and playwright (Time of Your Life); Amrita Preetam, Indian poet and author; Raymond Williams, Welsh academic and novelist (Second Generation); Jeremy Maas, British art dealer and writer; Julio Ramon Ribeyro, Peruvian writer; Robert Adams, American sci-fi author (Castaways in Time); György Károly, Hungarian poet and author; Raymond P. Hammond, American poet and editor of “New York Quarterly”; G. Willow Wilson, American journalist and comic book writer known for “Ms. Marvel”; and Dolly Alderton, British columnist and author (Everything I Know About Love, Good Material).
Any names familiar to you? There weren’t any for me this week. 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’ve continued my first edit pass of the manuscript for Harding’s Challenge: The Great Rebellion based on reader feedback and make adjustments based on what I think works best. There were another four new chapter reviews this week, bringing the total to 288. As always, plenty of feedback to improve the story.
Here’s another snippet:
Davis leaned forward. “Governor, I’m not a king, but I hope I can influence the people regarding how they vote. In fact, the 1870 census began in June, so in the next few weeks we should have the results and be able to use them to influence thinking. If it were up to me, you’d be the next president.”
“Me?” Latimer drained his whisky in an attempt to hide his astonishment. “I’m certain there are men far more capable than me.”
“Perhaps. Be that as it may, if I were a betting man, I’m sure you’d win the prize. Think about it. The next time we meet, you can tell me if you’re interested. If you are, we’ll start working on a plan, but if you decide it’s not for you, I won’t mention it again.”
“Jefferson—I don’t know what to say. I’m humbled and honored by your offer. I’ll give it due consideration.”
“That’s all I can ask.” Davis picked up the decanter. “Another?”
“Perhaps one more. I’m meeting Felipe later at the St. Charles Hotel for a late dinner.”
“How is Felipe? I haven’t seen him in years.”
“He’s doing well, although in my opinion, he drinks too much, but not when he’s working in Canebreak. He asked me for Evangeline’s hand in marriage. I’ve given an initial consent but told him he needs to improve his standing in the community in order to be wed to the governor’s daughter.”
“Quite right.”
“You mentioned two reasons you wanted to meet with me. What’s the other one?”
“Just a minute.” Davis rose and strode to a desk in the corner. He returned with an envelope in his hand. He pulled out a letter and handed it to Latimer. “This came last week from Mary Lincoln. I’d be interested in your assessment.”
Latimer unfolded the letter and began to read.
My Dear President Davis,
I hope this missive finds you, Varina, and the children in good health. Thank you for allowing us to send correspondence through the ambassador’s pouch. This keeps our letters safe from prying eyes who might want to do us harm.
The ambassador does an excellent job of keeping us safe, having assigned an armed guard to the charming cottage he found for us. While not the same as the house we had before moving into the White House, we’ve nevertheless made it our home.
Abraham and I both long to return to America. The weather—let’s just say it’s different, but the food still remains strange to this day. I have learned a smattering of French. With some difficulty, I can converse on a basic level when we meet people who do not speak English. However, I’m afraid Abraham struggles with the simplest of expressions. Even yes and please cause him such consternation.
I have one simple request, Jefferson. Before we die, please allow us to return to America. It’s not so much for me but for Abraham, whom I fear is withering away in this strange land.
Mary
Latimer folded the letter and placed it back in the envelope before setting it on the table. He beat a rhythm on his lips with a forefinger.
“So, what do you think of Mary’s request?” Davis picked up the letter and put it back on the desk before returning to his seat. “I haven’t replied yet, but plan to do so over the next week.”
“If you want my honest opinion, I believe Lincoln should never be allowed to set foot back in America. I would be afraid of any of his remaining followers attempting a coup and putting him back in the presidency.”
Davis nodded. “I’m of the same viewpoint but wanted to hear your thoughts. I shall put her off returning—at least for now.”
The door to the library opened.
George entered. “Mister President, the First Lady, and your children are waiting for you in the upstairs dining room.”
“Thank you, George.” Davis turned to Latimer. “Are you sure you won’t join us?”
Latimer shook his head. “Thank you, Jefferson. Perhaps next time I visit.”
“Understood.” Davis glanced at George. “Will you please see that Governor Latimer heads in the right direction to the St. Charles Hotel? I wouldn’t want him to get lost.”
Everyone laughed.
“Of course, Mister President. I can escort him to the front door if you like.”
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.
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