Last weekend, there were multiple forest fires in North Carolina and South Carolina. Fortunately, they didn’t seem to be as bad as those in California. There were three fires in our general area, but they were promptly dealt with before they became too large. Many thanks for the brave fire fighters and other first responders who took care of things.
Plenty of visits this week from the local wild turkeys, including a couple of toms. The deer also made a couple of appearances, along with the normal types of birds and squirrels. It’s always a treat to see all of the wildlife.
As the college basketball conference championships approach, followed by March Madness, which begins on March 18th, the Michigan State Spartans continued their winning ways. While they didn’t move up in the Top Twenty-Five standings, remaining in eight position, they did improve their record to 25-5 with two more wins. Meanwhile, the Michigan Wolverines stumbled, losing two games and dropping their record to 22-8. Their final game of the regular season is later today, when they play each other in Lansing.
During the past week, the Detroit Pistons played three games, winning one and dropping two. Their record is now 35-29.
While the temperatures over the past week have hovered in the mid-60s most of the time, we were in the upper 70s yesterday. Other than a couple of early morning showers, it’s been dry. The forecast for today and tomorrow is rain and mid-50s, before heading back to the mid-70s for the remainder of the week.
We were delighted to have a visit from our former neighbors in Michigan this week. They stopped by for a day as they headed south to visit their family. It was great to see them agian and catch up.
“If you are in difficulties with a book, try the element of surprise: attack it at an hour when it isn’t expecting it.” – H.G. Wells. Compliments of https://press.barnesandnoble.com/bnpress-blog/inspirational-quotes-writing/.
So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on March 9th, the tenth Sunday of 2025 and the second one for March. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).
Friederike C. Neuber, German actress and author (Allerkostbarste Schatz); William Cobbett, English journalist and author; Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian national poet and painter; Phoebe Knapp, American hymn writer and organist; Umberto Saba, Italian writer; David Garnett, English novelist and editor (Lady into Fox); Josef Weinheber, Austrian poet and writer (Adel und Untergang); Vita Sackville-West, English novelist, poet (The Land) and gardener (Sissinghurst); Frank Arnau [Heinrich Schmitt], German crime fiction writer; Umberto Saba, Italian writer; Peter C. Quennell, English biographer and critic (Byron in Italy); Rex Warner, English poet and writer (Wild Goose Chase); Derk Bodde, American sinologist and historian of China; Ed Hoornik, Dutch writer and poet (Survivor); Mickey Spillane [Frank Morrison Spillane], American mystery writer (I the Jury); Marie Cardinal, French writer (La Clé Sur La Porte); Simon Heere Heeresma, Dutch writer and poet (Han de Wit goes in development aid); Robert Calvert, South African-British writer and musician (Hawkwind); Keri Hulme, New Zealand novelist (The Bone People), poet and short-story writer; Michael Kinsley, American journalist and editor; Kevin Wade, American screenwriter (Working Girls); and Jack Kenny, American television writer and producer (Warehouse 13).
Any names familiar to you? There was one for me this week: Mickey Spillane [Frank Morrison Spillane]. 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 finished chapter fifteen of Vendetta, the sixth novel in my Bedlam series this week. It’s now posted to the two online subscription writing sites I use. There were another six reviews this week, bringing the total to 212. As always, plenty of suggestions to improve my writing.
Here’s another snippet:
After CC emptied his magazine at the attackers, bushes around him rattle. He yanked his pistol and turned.
“Hold on, CC. Calvary to the rescue.” Rufus grabbed a piece of real estate next to CC while Evelyn did the same.
She pointed toward the jungle in front of them. “How many targets, CC?”
“I just kicked one into touch as I ran out of bullets. I think there might be one or two more, but I’m not sure.”
“What about Trevor?” Rufus gestured at the OP.
“Aye. He knocked out one or two others. Earlier, he said shots came from four different compass points, so there might not be any attackers left.”
Jungle noises resumed.
Trevor glanced at the body CC shot before he joined the others. “Looks like we got them all.”
“Aye. Let’s head back to camp and we’ll keep an eye on things from there. Holler before we approach as Bob’s still armed.”
The team leaders filled Bob in about the attack.
Bob shook his head. “You guys seem a bit subdued after what you’ve been through. I was ready to shit myself.”
Everyone laughed.
“Aye, Bob. We were all like that in the past, but time and experience have taught us how to control our emotions.” CC glanced at the others as he stowed his pistol, magazines, and NVGs in his rucksack before checking the magazine on his rifle and placing it near him on the table. “Let’s get some more rest—a couple of hours before daylight. I’ll keep watch for now. We’ll pack up as soon as possible.”
Trevor, Rufus, and Evelyn nodded as they headed to their personal tents.
“You, too, Bob.”
“If it’s okay with you, CC, I’d like to stay here. I’m too wired to rest.” Bob placed his weapon on the table next to CC’s”.
“Och aye. No worries. We’ll head to Panama City. Talk with the Embera-Wounaan and let them know what they can keep if they want it. We’ll need one or two of them to escort us back to Yaviza to the main road.”
“Will do, CC. And thanks.”
“Thanks for what?”
“Not treating might like a rookie.”
“Aye.” Although you are just like a new recruit.
The rest of the night passed without incident.
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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