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ILONA ANDREWS

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2019 and All Its Warts

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Dogs in front of the fireplace

It’s December 31 in our corner of the world, and the kids are planning to spend it with their significant others, so it will be Gordon and me. Tomorrow is my birthday. My father has Skyped to remind me, in case I forgot. 🙂

2019 was a tough year. I am not going to go into all the things that it brought, good and bad, but I am happy it is almost over and I am happy that while it was difficult, we dealt with all the curve balls it threw at us, one way or the other.

The new year promises some challenges. We have to rehome out munchkin cat, Edward. He is trying to commit suicide by hawk. He insists on going outside, but he is only 7 pounds and he is hampered by tiny legs. We can’t keep him secured, because we have an overabundance of dogs at the moment, and he darts into the back yard every chance he gets. We’ve had two close calls with very large birds of prey. My dog, Del, will probably leave us this upcoming year. There is nothing I can do about it.

The kids are getting onto their own trajectories. Kid 1 is going to finish her cyber security studies and hopefully pass several certification exams, after which she is considering finding a job in another state. Kid 2 decided to go back to school, and she wants to go somewhere else as well. We have to decide if we are staying in San Marcos.

It’s a beautiful area and our property is lovely, but it might be a little less than we’re looking for. We’ve renovated the house – and still renovating – but it would be nice not to have to drive an hour to get to a decent restaurant or to see a good play or a concert. The only hospital that takes our insurance is in the next town over. The allergies are still killing both of us and over the counter stuff doesn’t seem to help.

There is not much to do in San Marcos. We thought we wanted the country quiet, but I guess we want it only when there is a city with all the amenities nearby. Plus, there have been break ins in the neighborhood and shootings on the Square, which is only 10 minutes from us. And Gordon’s wanderlust is kicking in. I think if we end up moving, we may have to rent, because he will want to take off again after a year. Unless we can find him something with a pool large enough to meet his approval.

In light of this, Jeaniene Frost has resumed her “Come to Florida” campaign.

In professional news, we are finishing up the holiday novella and resuming work on Emerald Blaze, and after that we are taking a break and then jumping into Iron Covenant 2.

It’s just been a long hard year and I am tired. But tomorrow is birthday, and possibly even more yarn, and the new snippet of the holiday novella. Because it’s fun to give presents on your birthday. 😀

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Comments

    • Happy Birthday Ilona, and prayers for a healthy and prosperous New Year for all of you. Many, many thanks for the hours of pleasure you and Gordon have given me.

    • Happy Birthday Ilona. Thank you for all of the awesome stories. I’m sorry to hear that this was a rough year. Come to Charlotte and live in the suburbs. You’ll love it.

    • Happy Birthday! I live in Detroit, Michigan. We got the Great Lakes, 10mins from Canada, & an abundance of urban wildlife like hawks, pheasants, Canadian geese, foxes, coyotes, raccoons, etc. My cat Albert darts out too if I’m not careful. After almost cutting him in half with the front door 3 times, I just try to be outside with him 90% of the time, & told my neighbors to keep an eye out. Consequently, Albert’s gaining weight from eating at 2+ houses… He proudly leaves offerings (dead birds and rodents) on the front step Spring- Fall, & keeps the rabbits & squirrels from eating too much from the garden. Good luck rehoming your munchkin cat.

  2. Good thoughts for the upcoming year and changes you are planning on.
    P.S. Early birthday to you Ilona.

  3. Happy Birthday Ilona. Some thing magical about new years and birthday when you can pause, reflect and hope. Thank you for all the wonderful work in 2019.

  4. Yes indeed it’s fun giving gifts on your birthday ???? and you deserve a great one !!!

    So Happy Birthday and have a great New Year’s Eve tonight.

  5. Happy Birthday! Have a great day. Enjoy your New Year/Birthday good luck meal. I am originally from Natchitoches (central LA, the state:), though you know there are issues with population mobility when Ancestry genetics identifies you as being from area as well… ), so looking forward to black eyed peas, rice, cabbage, cornbread, pork for the traditional New Year meal. Have a wonderful New Year.

  6. Happy birthday, and happy new year. I’d say come move to Kirkland, Washington (we’re not that far from Seattle) but the rainy autumn and winter weather might drive you a little bonkers if you worship the sun. I’ve adapted though, and would looooove to have you as a neighbor!

  9. Hope the birthday goes well. My last one was a significant one and not in a good way. I have no wanderlust so I would not be happy to move. I have been told I am a nesting mallard duck. It is hard when the kids start to go their own ways. We have kids in Virginia, Florida and Washington state. With all the uncertainty I am so glad that you share your talent with us. I do love the philosophical chickens and wait for the other shoe to drop. . Thank you for sharing with us. Good luck on the birthday and hope lots of nice yarn comes your way.

  10. Hope you have a great birthday!

    Hope 2020 is a bit better. 2019 threw us a hard one at the Solstice where we said goodbye to our family dog due to kidney failure. Also too many things presenting themselves as choices which I guess is better than reactions but I’m not one who rushes to meet change.

  13. Happy birthday and Happy New Year! I agree, am ready to put 2019 in the rear view mirror and look forward to the 20’s. We too will be facing some tough decisions and challenges in my family in the coming months- our munchkin kitty is looking at 16 years and the past few months has had health issues. I feel your sorrow for what’s coming to pass. I wish you and your family all the best for 2020!

  15. Happy birthday! My SIL’s birthday is January 1st also.

    And happy new year! I hope the coming year brings you the right amount of joy and success, however that is defined. Thanks as always for the stories you tell. They really do bring me hours of relaxation and happiness. (I literally gasped in excitement when I saw your plans for 2020 include working on Iron Covenant 2.)

  16. Sending you lots of love and cheer and positive energy for 2020! It’s been a long 2019 for everyone, but thank you for continually lifting our spirits with your great books and by sharing snippets of your life in your blog!

  17. Happy Birthday! My niece-in-law Michelle, whose BD is today, and I just had our discussion about 2019 being a difficult year for us too. May your new year be better and the path you are on have fewer dips and bumps.

  18. Happy birthday! Mine was 2 days ago and I got a great purse with a gift card for Yarn!

    Hope everyone’s new year is safe, happy, and healthy.

    Thank you for the great books!

  19. Happy Birthday and I hope the this new year treats you better than 2019 did, 2019 has been so full of WTF

  20. You can find “country” plots in Little Rock and not be a far drive from anything. I grew up there and miss the hills and all of the urban green spaces. Mild winters, but hot humid summers and probably not an improvement for your allergies. As much as I don’t like how flat and gray the Mid West has been, my seasonal allergies have greatly improved and the summers are mild.

  21. Oh boy, a new part of the novella before Friday? Thank you for giving us a present on your birthday. Happy birthday.

  22. May your Birthday celebration be full of fiber and fun memories to look back on. Happy New Year to you and your family as well!

    • I read fiber and thought of food fiber, like you were wishing her a whole grain, fiber full cake. ????

  23. Hope you have a Happy New Year! My entry in unsolicited relocation advice would be East Tennessee, particularly the Chattanooga area. Close enough to Atlanta to fly from there, outstanding internet , reasonable real estate prices with acreage, pools etc. From a business standpoint no state income taxes (and never will be as it is a state constitution prohibition .)

  24. Renting is spending money for a place to live until you move and someone else owns it. Buying is spending money for a place to live, but at the end, you own it. Why rent? If you fear commitment, you rent. If you know what you want, you buy.

    Allergies are something I was attacked by as an adult. They are controllable, but it takes more than one thing to control them. You need an antihistamine, which I buy as diphenhydramine, AKA: Benadryl in generic form. You need something to stop that running nose and cough, which I buy as guaifenesin, AKA: Mucinex. No medications work for everyone, but those work for me when combined with Flonase every 24 hours. The trick is, you have to find what works for you. But basically, you need antihistamine and decongestant. You won’t need everything every day, but you should keep it all on hand for the days when you do need them. You have to try them all to find what works for you, but you also need to stay indoors as much as possible to escape pollens and outdoor things like mold and pollution in cities. You also need an air filtration system that works to trap those things in the house. Allergists will tell you to get rid of the animals, ditch the house plants, and go get a shot every week or so. I ditched no animals, I have house plants, and I get no shots because taking them for two years did nothing for me at all. When I moved, I took the list of what I’m allergic to, and the new allergist I saw told me it did no good to tell him what they tested for without telling him what I reacted to. I told him that was not the full list of tests, but just what I reacted to. He called me a liar. I left him, because I do not lie and refuse to deal with people who tell me I do. He told me that no one is allergic to all those things. Yet, here I sit.

    If you have allergies bad enough to make you wish you didn’t have to breathe at all, going to Florida will only make it worse. You need to go north, where there is true winter and pollens die down for a while. It won’t cure the allergies, but you will feel better overall while the plants all sleep outdoors. If you really need that pool, build a building around it and you can use it all year. You CAN have amenities when you own the land, because you can install them.

    Find a place with a lot of land, buy or build what you want in the house, and get happy. Small towns can have good places to eat or see a play or concert. Look around, find a city with everything you want in it, and move outside the city. Not all traffic is like Texas traffic. No matter where you live, there will be criminals. You can’t escape them, it seems. We learned to lock our cars when some cretin opened the doors and took my husband’s toll road change container. Fortunately, they missed his stash of ready cash. heh heh Our alarm system told us someone had been in the house a couple of times, but they never actually did anything, because the alarm screams very loudly as it calls in the intrusion.

    Many years ago, the comic strip “Hagar the Horrible” had Hagar talking to his son. He said, “The secret of being happy is to be happy with what you’ve got. So get enough.” Get out of allergy weather, and find your happiness.

    And have a happy birthday! May the next year be better than this one was, for all of us! I look forward to years of reading your work, as many of us do. I hope it pleases you to know that you are a bright spot in so many lives around the world. Thank you for all you do.

  25. like you, 2019 kicked my arse and almost won, major car accident, new car YEAH, but debt with that, and a neverending continuation of school (which I really do love). here is to a banner 2020, the roaring 20’s and to good eats, good reads (you guys have us covered) and good times for all! Happiest of New Years to all and Happiest of bdays to you Ilona – or Hippo Birdie Two Ewe!

    (Canada has much to offer – consider moving to a different country for a year or two….then we can get you to tour all our local amazing independent bookstores).

  26. Renting is a good idea, especially if you want to see if you like an area first, and especially if you’re prone to allergies. One of my brothers lived in Dallas area for around 20 years, minor allergies. They moved to Oregon hus wife had some allergies, but when they moved down to San Antonio, my brother was hit hard, really hard, by allergies. So I definitely recommend renting for at least 1 year wherever you move to so you can see if A) you like the area, and B) you can live with the allergies. Then start looking for a house or building one.

    Oh, and Happy Birthday, Ilona. Poor Gordon has no excuse for forgetting your birthday. ????

  27. Best wishes to House Andrews for 2020. Hopefully a better year for you guys (humans and animals alike!)
    Happy Birthday Ilona.????
    Happy New Yeay to the BDH ????

  28. Happy New Year!
    Dunedin, FL is a fun town to live in! In the Tampa area, so close to “big city” things but the town is small and walkable and has many great restaurants and fun happenings! Also the beach! Plus my daughter dog walks/sits and is offering her services to you at a discount lol.

  29. I’m with Jeaniene, come to Florida. East coast or West Coast. There’s St. Augustine, the St. John’s River, Miami, Sarasota, Tampa, or Cedar Key only 45 min drive to Gainesville (major University town, so restaurants and plays). Cedar Key is a hidden treasure of an island. Even Tallahassee, or Pensacola, so you’re a closer drive to Texas, and of course New Orleans.

  30. Happy birthday. May you have all the yarn ever. If you have even a portion of the joy you give us, it will be amazing!.

  32. Happy New Year, and Happy Birthday for the 1st.
    Thank you for all the joy you both continue to give, through your writing and your interaction with your readers. Good things to you and yours.

  33. Happy Happy Happy Birthday!!! And Happy New Year! And if you feel like wandering north, Columbus, Ohio would love to have you!

  34. Happy Almost Birthday! Today is my birthday, so I’m sending extra birthday love your way. <3

    Happy New Year to both of you! Thanks for everything you do, including your trip to the east coast this fall so I could finally meet you both!

  36. You deserve a wonderful and exciting 2020. We never know what we want until we try it. Personally living on the Oregon Coast was never a dream until I lived on the Oregon Coast. You will find your dream home and place, just trust in yourself.

  37. Happy Birthday! Know that you have brought joy to others having rough 2019s with your wonderful books. Hope your 2020 is great!

  39. The allergies are still killing both of us and over the counter stuff doesn’t seem to help.
    Allergies never bothered me until I hit middle aged, and I used to do the OTC thingie too, but I never liked them. I had always heard about how honey can help alleviate the symptoms, so I decided to give it a try even though I don’t particularly like the stuff.
    It works for me.
    It has to be raw and harvested locally.
    It’s not a cure, it’s a lifelong treatment. I still need aspirin for the headaches and a box of tissue for a runny nose, but the swollen nasal passages are a thing of the past.

  40. Happy birthday early. I’m sorry that 2019 sucked for you. I’m not going to campaign for you to move anywhere but Tulsa Oklahoma is a nice place to live.
    Please have a great birthday and happy Happy New Year.
    And yes I love your books.

  41. Happy Almost New Year and Happy Almost Birthday! I moved to Florida a few years ago. There are bugs here.
    Also there are many hot muggy sunny days with intermittent or constant rain.There is always something new to do as a family right here. Other than that and some hurricanes it is a fun state. Hope to see you here and that you have a good 2020. Thank you for all you do for your fans.

  42. Happy Birthday and hope you guys have a happy New Year as well.
    My 2019 wasnt so great and we are taking some of the fallout into 2020 with us. But we are here still and will continue moving forward as best as we can.
    Thank you for all your lovely stories that have brought us happiness and comfort through out the year.
    See you next year.

  43. Good luck & good health to all in the new roaring 20’s! Thank you both for being excellent writers who send us into different worlds with loving families with lots of action and banter. I can’t imagine moving again so soon, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do. I moved to SC after a 30 year stint in the Baltimore area. I like it here but stay inside a lot to due to very hot summers. Housing is very affordable to buy, and there are some nice big plots of land still available here in the midlands. I would suggest that you next buy fairly close to an airport if the kids are going to scatter. Happy trails!

  47. Come to Florida!!!! Rent a house on the beach south of St. Augustine or Crescent Beach. Try it on or out, whatever. ????

  48. Happy Birthday, Happy New Year, and a toast to 2019 being OVER. I’m sure ready for a new one. Cheers!!

  49. The other day I went out for a walk to de-stress a bit, and a bird proceeded to crap on my shoulder. That really felt like a fitting end to 2019. Life just kept throwing crap all year, with literal crap as a grand finale.

    Getting to see Dina, Sean, and Orro again was one of very few bright spots. Thank you so much for that wonderful gift. It meant a lot. I really look forward to tomorrow’s snippet and hope you have a lovely birthday. Here’s to a better 2020 for all of us.

  51. Happy birthday and happy new year! I hope 2020 is amazing for you guys and that you find the most amazing place to live <3

  52. First, Happy Birthday. January babies are the best!. Please be careful of Florida. It has been horrendous down here this past year. The gulf coast area has some decent spots. South and central are crime ridden. Unfortunately, Orlando has bled into the small towns. Have a great new year.

  58. Happy Birthday, and hope you have a better year. As far as moving I think that you should think about moving more North. If you don’t like the heat, the South is just going to get hotter, as time goes on. You don’t have to go to the snow belt there is plenty of places in between. I live 10 miles from the Canadian border and we are just NOW having our first snow of the winter… Best of luck.
    PS I grew up and Florida, and have family in Orlando area. They are thinking of relocating because it’s just to hot to anything during the summer. Even the winters don’t get cool.

  59. Happy birthday! As much as I’d love to have you in San Antonio, the comments about allergies here are unfortunately true-just too much cedar. If you want a beach, have you looked at Belize? Southwest Airlines flies there; the cost of living is amazingly low, and English is the official language, so very easy for Americans (and former Russians who speak English). We were there last spring and found the people to be lovely, the national healthcare to be excellent, and the beaches and snorkeling world-class. Belizeans take ecotourism very seriously and work hard to care for their part of the planet. If I was writing for a living I’d be very tempted to relocate there.

    • Life’s natural progressions can leave you wanting to kick and scream some days but time passes and adjustments get made. You and Gordon are a team so you will be just fine because you can count on each other. I hope both of you treasure your relationship.
      So, Happy Birthday to you and Happy and Healthy 2020 to everyone else!

  61. Have a Wonderful New Year. I lived in Bozeman, MT and had the worst allergies in August when the sage bloomed. we moved to Missoula, MT 226 miles away where there is no sage and I love August again. If you don’t know what your allergies are you might want to test for them before committing to a new area. i’m sorry San Marcos didn’t work out. it’s fun to try new areas, but every so often you have to move again. and sometimes you stay for a while, good luck.

  63. Happy Birthday, Happy New Year, Thank You for the Novella, Can’t Wait for Emerald Blaze and Iron Covenant 2!

  64. Happy Birthday and Happy New Year. Wishing you and your family health and happiness for 2020. Maybe you should move to Annapolis Md. ????‍♀️

  65. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!…tomorrow. :o) I pray 2020 is a much better year for you both. Thank you for the gift of your writings. I have loved your work for years and eagerly await any snippet you send our way.
    By the way, Monterey California is a beautiful place to live…I’m just saying. :o)

  66. Happy New Year! And even more importantly, happy birthday! I hope it’s the beginning of a great year!

  67. Happy Birthday. A suggestion for your allergies, if you haven’t already tried Doterra Essential Oils, please find a Wellness Advocate and try using the oils. I had really bad allergies and I found that the combination of Lavendar, Lemon and Peppermint, which when combined form a natural antihistamine, have helped tremendously. It needs to be Doterra oils because they are the only Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade oils available. I am a Wellness Advocate and I would be glad to help but I’m in South Carolina which is a little to far away to be of immediate assistance. If you go to Doterra.Com there is information about finding a WA in your area. I would be happy to answer any questions or send you more info, just let me know. I hope you have a Happy New Year. PS the link is to a Facebook page where I post all kind of information about essential oils.

    • I’m sorry, I don’t like to get into medical issues on public forums that are not medically related. But, please don’t advocate for unproven (and potentially harmful) therapies. I am a board certified allergist involved in research. I wish essential oils could be effective, but the closest thing to a ‘natural’ treatment for allergies is currently allergy immunotherapy provided by a trained, board certified, allergist. There are a lot of ‘alternative’ testing and treatments out there for allergy – most of which end up in the quakery realm, though there are some traditional Chinese herbal products that have shown some benefit (but very hard to get reliable in the US).

      Cedar pollen allergy in Texas is probably the worst environmental allergy in the US. There is a related cedar allergy in Japan that recently had a biologic ($$$) approved for treatment, cedar allergies can be so debilitating. So I can understand wanting to find other places without cedar allergy (though it is most of the country outside of Texas at least).

      Lot of things that can be considered when you have the ability to live anywhere. I am from the south originally and have considered moving (I can work from anywhere and my husband is retiring from the federal government) to Texas, no state income tax, warmer weather, closer to family; but my husband is from Maryland and likes the ability to go into DC for museums, cultural events, etc.. Good luck on finding somewhere that meets many of your requirements. Never seems to be anywhere that has everything.

  69. Happy Birthday!

    I will chime in with the Florida campaign as well! Come to Florida, we have cookies!

    I hope you find a good home for Edward. I would be interested if we lived closer.
    Hugs!

  71. Happy birthday for tomorrow Ilona .
    Thank you for all you have given us .
    Wishing you and Gordon kids 1 and 2 and your 4 legged family health and happiness . ❤

  72. Wishing you a wonderful birthday! May the new year and decade bring you health, happiness, prosperity and the home of your (current – things can change) dreams!

    • It’s only after joining groups like this one. You realise that our loved authors have lives as well????. Thank you for sharing some of it. I wish you a happy Birthday and your family a fantastic 2020 Looking forward to more wonderful books from Team Andrews xxx

  74. Happy Birthday tomorrow, and thank you in advance for the snippet. I’d happily encourage you to come up to this town you let Roland wreck and turn into Mishmar since we have more than most people suspect and some lovely suburb areas, but I suspect you want to avoid winter. I love having four seasons, but it’s not for everyone. We are, however, hurricane proof! =) I do remember visiting Silver Springs in Florida and thinking it was a little piece of heaven, so you may want to look at that area, too.

    Here’s to a better-for-everyone 2020!

  75. Happy Birthday, Ilona! We miss you here in the Austin area. Hope you, Gordon and the family have a wonderful New Year! Moving on to 2020!!

  76. Happy birthday and hope you have a happy new year!

    Sorry about your cat trying to go out with the hawk. I have seen on tv a way for indoor kitties to be safe outside but you may not want the expense. The one on the tv had a cat door and a covered walkway up to a cat tree house. All the while kitty was protected from escaping and from wildlife

    Break-ins are scary. I have a good security system cause I don’t have dogs.

    Allergies are everywhere. If you are moving renting sounds pretty good at least until you figure out if you really like the area.

    Meanwhile just take care of yourselves.

  78. A happy birthday to you. Be glad this is not audio as even my children begged me not to sing to them….just tell them Norse myths at bedtime. May your new year be all that you hope it might and all of its surprises be good ones.
    We chose South Carolina over Florida, but obviously Florida calls to you. Take some time and check out different areas there. Why wonder about other places. Go check some likely ones out. Renting sounds like a good idea. After all, what good is it to be an author and carry your profession in your heads* if you can’t move around a bit?
    * I do realize is ain’t that easy, but still, principally you are your business.

  81. Happy New Year and Future Birthday as I’m sure Gordon will have planned a wonderful thing and you will be busy and hopefully very happy. 😀

  83. *Jumps on the Florida bandwagon* Happy birthday! May this year be filled with happiness and yarn! Travel is good for the soul.

  84. Happy Birthday! Thank you both for the wonderful stories you create that make our lives a little happier for reading them! May the new year ahead be filled with good things for everyone.

  85. Happy Birthday!

    My kids are approximately the same age as yours, and I am struggling with Empty Nest Syndrome. After 2 years at a private college 180 miles away, my Kid 2 moved home to go to a local branch campus of our state university. I was elated when she moved home, but also feel guilty for feeling that way. I can understand the urge to move if the kids live elsewhere.

    Thank you so much for the stories you give us, and Happy 2020!

  86. Happy Early Birthday! I hope you have a yarnderful day tomorrow 🙂

    A year is always a mixed bag of good and bad – sometimes a preponderance of one over the other. However, every new dawn brings new hope and a chance for changes big and small. It is why I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions. Every day is a new chance for whatever you seek.

    Best wishes to House Andrew for 2020. May everyone enjoy good health, happiness, love, joy and wonderment over the next year and beyond.

    BTW I love the pic of the dogs in front of the fireplace.

  87. Happy Birthday, Happy New Year
    Good news for both Kid 1 and 2, education is never wasted. Sad to hear about the Four Footers, hard to see them go, regardless of how. I’m very sorry country life didn’t work out, understand having to drive 25+ miles to find doc, hospital, restaurants and retail therapy. Crime is not good regardless of domicile. At least where you are, you can protect yourselves if necessary and you are so inclined. It isn’t like that in other states. Not sure where to suggest, I suffered less from allergies in Nevada than anywhere other than Arizona. Some good places in Las Vegas suburbs. Reno has more rain, but less amenities than Las Vegas, Tahoe area is just too expensive and has way too much pine pollen. Hard decisions coming up, but strongly suggest you stay out of California. My prior home is just too tax happy anymore.

  91. We live in Colorado Springs and we used to winter in the Florida Keys. Met all my requirements. We lived at the end of No Name key and I had a garden on My cistern. We had solar and a generator. They now have electricity. I love riding my bike in the keys, I love snorkeling fishing kayaking and there us a tunnel in the mangroves you can go to a hidden lake in. You can also kayak in a direct line of sight to Bahia Honda, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. And farmers markets yum oh my. Now the bad acidic gas rises from shallow sea beds eats everything. EVERYTHING. Mosquitos get sprayed from planes, cough cough aack. No seeums, tiny blood sucking fleas that look like a really small freckle and hurt like hell the first year, come as soon as the wind dies down. Mosquito magnets work. oh yeah, hurricanes…….don’t bring anything you don’t want to lose. Rent is expensive because insurance is ungodly. I still love it, and I was really active and healthy but, i think the gas where i lived was hard on my lungs.

  92. Happy Birthday, Ilona ! I grew up in Brooklyn, NY and spent two years in Brindisi ,Italy with my brand new husband , we were very young, then moved to SE Pennsylvania 50 years ago. It is a lovely mid temperate area with 4 real seasons, ie., not too cold winter, warm wet spring,not too hot summer and cool fall. East coast and near lots of very big cities but you can be out in the country as well. Also about 2 hours from the Atlantic ocean. Unfortunately due to all these positives it can be expensive. Check it out if you are seriously thinking of relocating. Happy New Year to you and your loved ones, furry and all.

  94. Happy birthday!
    Take care of yourself, and think positive thoughts for the new year.
    Happy New Year! ????????

  95. Happy Birthday.
    Maybe you could keep him if you built a catio. Then he could go outside but not be outside.
    If nothing else, you’d feel better if you watch catio videos on You Tube.

  97. Have a Very Happy Birthday. Sending best wishes to all of in House Andrews, especially the fur babies. Thank you for continually supplying the BDH with good humor and fun stories to keep us (me ) amused.

  98. Best wishes for a very happy birthday and new year to come! Hope you all find much happiness and continued success. Thanks for all you do, it’s much appreciated and enjoyed!

  99. Happy and healthy 2020 to you both. Humans the happiest of birthdays
    2019 was a difficult year for many so you are in good company.
    Regarding pets lost my Dasher after 13 years last April. I still cry on the 30th of each month.
    We got through 2019. May we be able to say better for 2020.

  100. Happy birthday and hope you have a better 2020 than 2019. Hint hint that Nashville TN is a great place to live….

  101. Happy Birthday! I suggest South Carolina – specifically the Greenville area. There are still wide open spaces around Greenville, but are close enough to Greenville that you can get there quickly.

  102. Happy Happy Birthday! My birthday is today, New Year’s Eve. I’ve always enjoyed having a birthday that everyone else celebrates – I hope you do too. Wishing you and your family all best in 2020.

  105. Happy birthday tomorrow! I hope 2020 brings you and Gordon great joy and few sorrows. Thank you again for the snippets and all your books.

  107. Hope you have a wonderful birthday and a new year of positives!!

    And I understand the yarn… just bought out a section of Joann’s….

    • Happy birthday! My oldest is with her significant other so i can understand. Her dad being male does not. After 6 glasses of wine I’m fine with the whining. Happy New year! May this year bring all you desire. Good health, love and happiness!

  109. Hope you have a Wonderful Birthday. Wishing you good health and making lovely memories. Hope the coming year is filled with good memories and better outcomes for you and your family. Take care ????????????

  110. Hope you have a wonderful Birthday and a Happy New Year. I hope the coming year is a smoother road. Life always manages to give us a few potholes, but you can get through them. Thank you for all the wonderful snippets!

    • Happy Birthday, Ilona. We’re all glad to see 2019 in the rearview mirror. May the new year and decade bring you both joy as well as continuing success. And Jeaniene is right: the Florida Gulf Coast has much to offer!

  111. Happy birthday and thank you for the present(s). Can’t wait to read all your lovely stories this year (it’s already 2020 here in New Zealand)

  113. OK ok I can already anticipate the shrieking. As a 9th generation native Californian who also lived I. 12 other states including the soeast and Texas let me share our dirty littke secret. California is wonderful . Yes we pay taxes also known as the cost of civilization. Low tax low wage states use as much as 51% MORE than other states of federal taxpayer money BECAUSE they are too simple and committed to poverty to charge appropriate taxes wages. We are so happy to help simple people to LEAVE the state we have dedicated Web site to help them vacate! There is a vitality energy a HUM to this state you can’t find in other states especially Texas and the soeast. There is ALWAYS something interesting to do see go! Everything from incredible food views weather cars horses plants is committed th best life. One place to start is Ventura .CA. Beachside wildly solid diverse economy good air with lovely sea breezes close to everything but still smaller. Kiddos could easily find million well paying jobs PLUS the quality education training opportunities are endless. There is also –very different from Texas–an absolute watchdog rigor that stops elected officials++×from screwing up because there is bone deep desire to hold authorities accountable, Problems? Of course. That is the nature of humanity. BUT because we have incredible riches of skilked PEOPLE money energy education ++++people who stay make change happen. We are not boring or complacent. Plus we now have ALMOST double political representatives of any other state. It happens here first.

    • I’m also a native Californian (who has worked in other states) and I, too, invite you! One of the best parts of CA is “NO SNOW!” unless you want to GO to it (in the mountains) (or the once-in-a-decade-or-more low temps). Also, California (no Californian calls it “Cali”) has very low humidity. Also, mostly tolerant people. Also, even though we have some fairly large urban areas, there’s a LOT more wilderness/parks or open land available if you don’t want to be in an urban area or if you want to get to some open (or wooded) spaces. (Redwoods!!) Also BEACHES. We have our share of wackaloons and criminals, but most people are basically friendly. Also, we have pretty good to fabulous libraries. Lots of bookstores. Lots of restaurants. Lots of malls. Lots of gas stations….Also taxes. But the scenery in our non-urban spaces is FABULOUS. And most of our cities/towns have TONS of (planted) trees (for shade because of the summer heat… did I mention no humidity?) Also, California, because it’s so large, has many different climate and geographical zones. If you don’t like one, you can find a dozen DIFFERENT types of climate and terrain to fall in love with. Just sayin’… -Marian H

  117. I wish you the best ever birthday. Thank you for the snippets. I live in Texas to be near children but have no idea where I would rather live. Take some vacations to different areas. I do miss snow.

  118. Happy Birthday and may the curves ahead be gentle and appropriately banked. Thank you for your contributions to the BDH’s happiness!

  119. Happy Birthday, and I feel you on the allergy issue. Thank goodness for multiple antihistamines a day and allergy shots. We live in Portland, OR; it has that country feel but we still live near the city thing going on. May 2020 be far better than 2019!

  120. Happy New Year, Happy Birthday, and many happy returns of both.

    Thank you for “forging onward” this year. You had every excuse to say “Let’s take a break until this is over – or at least better.” Instead you persevered and gave us some really stellar books in spite of all the problems. You guys rock!

    The lure of country living is always there. We forget that the hawks and coyotes are more likely to join us the farther out we get from civilization. The hazards of “outside” are many and indoor pets can be too brave. (I hope your munchkin finds a good place.) So sorry about your pup. It’s so hard to let them go.

    Your girls will do well wherever they go, because you have given them the best of foundations. They can build their lives, secure in the love and support they have from their family.
    You should be happy with your home. The things that are important to you two are what should determine where you choose to be.
    If you decide to move, I will miss having you in Texas because I am selfish and I love being able to see you at Murder by the Book in Houston for almost all your releases. I would spend Houston summers half-way up a mountain if I could, but, at my age, I kinda need to pick a spot with good doctors and stay there.
    Also, my nervous cat, Bahzell, has almost forgiven me for the last move. (It’s only been a year and a half.) Almost. Karat, the other cat, doesn’t care – but Bahzell might murder me in my sleep if he had to get used to a third house.

  121. Happy early birthday, Ilona. I hope I can see you guys in person before you leave the area. The Cedar is kicking all our butts.

  123. Happy Birthday Ilona and Happy New Year to all. If you want a mild winter, but close to snow in the mountains, consider Boise, Idaho. We’re in valley, so cold winters pass us by. Low taxes, lots of outdoor activities, excellent health care, local university with cultural plays and lectures, and hot, dry summer weather.

  124. I hope you have a great birthday! Come to Florida. Moving is hard whether you are thinking or doing it. Wherever and whatever you do next it will rock. You and your husband will do it together as one of the great couples I’ve had the pleasure to read about. Happy New Year to you, your family, and all the fans!

  125. Happy New Year and especially Happy Birthday to you! May the new year be good to you and your family, may you find your place in the sun, may you find restaurants that are run by the spiritual cousin of Orro,and if Gordon’s Alfa starts misbehaving, I’ll give you an old Alfa owners secret,threaten to trade it in on a German car ,that will piss it off (but don’t ever do that,German cars across the board are expensive money pits, they depreciate to nothing in the blink of an eye!). Been a tough year for me personally,facing the effects of aging, but also was a year where our son has started to find his feet as a musician and has a group that shows promise. Still eating pickles I put up this summer, so that is good:)

  129. Have a wonderful Birthday and I wish you and yours all the best in the coming year! I am with Jeaniene in the come to Florida club. There is bad with the good anywhere you go in this world. Come check out our slice of it!

  130. I hope 2020 is much better for your family! I also want to 2nd Jeanine in the come to Florida push. I love it here and can’t imagine moving. Thank you for all the books, snippets, funny blogs you have provided. I enjoy them all!

  133. I hope you have a wonderful birthday and a year filled with good health and happiness. Thank you for sharing your lives and talent with us????????

  134. Happy Birthday, Happy New Year, and thank you, thank you, for everything you and Gordon do. I care for my husband full time, and so am house bound. He is and always will be my one and only, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. And by far, House Andrews is my favorite travel agency!

  135. Very best wishes for a happy, fulfilling 2020! I hope you have a nice, peaceful birthday filled with the people and snacks you love! xoxo

  137. It’s already 2020 here, so: wish you all the best days ahead, and a wonderful, cuddly, yarn filled happy birthday! ????????????

  138. Happy new year. And hope you have a great birthday with lots of tea, knitting yarn and pies. And so nice that your kids 1 and2 have grown up so well. Safe driving for them.
    Mostly everyone I know had a tough year. Seriously tough.
    So I am trying to think positive and hope 2020 will be a more peaceful and prosperous year for everyone.
    And I am looking forward to innkeeper with ???????? and Dina and Sean. Maybe some Maud and Arland . And Sebastian North!!
    Also. Emerald Blaze and Iron and Magic. Never thought I would want more Hugh, but you are so damn talented that I miss Hugh.
    So thank you andHappy New Year to everyone BDH
    Go House Andrews!

  139. Sounds like Washington state in the outlying area of Seattle would be perfect for you both. All of that aside, glad to hear you are well and look forward to celebrating this year and many to come with you!

    • Except for volcanoes, earth quakes & copious amounts of snow 😉 I’m originally from Seattle & the cost of living is very high.

  140. Hi, happy birthday!! We have always wanted a munchkin cat, but we live in Oregon. If that does not deter you, we have three indoor-only kitties that we adore! All of our babies are rescues of one sort or another (two others are re-homes!).
    We love your writing and wait for all of your posts. Here’s hoping that the next year is better and less stressful!

    P.s. Oregon is also lovely if you have never been. Rural, quiet areas with fair sized cities not too far away. 🙂

  141. Happy 2020!!! Hope the new year brings you and your family all good things. Have a fantastic birthday, thank you for all you do for us!

  144. I hope you both have the happiest of new years, with minimum stress and no unpleasant surprises.
    Happy birthday to you as well, with lots of lovely yarn, delicious teas and love.
    Finally, thank you in advance for a lovely new snippet!

  145. “In light of this, Jeaniene Frost has resumed her “Come to Florida” campaign.”

    I am not ashamed, come to Florida! We have the sun, ocean, theme parks, tons of restaurants, and of course, moi :).

  146. Happy New Year & Happy Birthday!!! I hope 2020 is easier for you. As others have mentioned, it would be good to see exactly what your allergies are before moving. It would at least give you some idea of how much you’d suffer in a given state :)Though sometimes allergies build up over time as I’m sure you’ve found out. Something in Coastal NC is totally driving my allergies crazy. Oddly enough it seems worse at night…

  148. Happy New Year and early Happy Birthday. The bad part about kids growing up is that they leave, but it is also the good part because you have done your job well. My friends investigated Florida but were put off by the flood insurance requirements. Buy a big RV and travel the country.
    We love living in the country but within driving distance to the city. Good luck.

  149. Hoping things improve quickly and troubles settle to normal. It’s hard when the kids move out but like that one guy said,” They hey come back and bring more with them.” I like living in the relative country but with a short drive to three major cities and six hours to NYC. I’ve considered Florida recently because we are just as hot now in the summer and I’m freezing now while in-laws are having lovely 70’s. A friend and a writer lives near Jacksonville and is having daytime 60.s nights 30.s but considers it cold.
    I do want to say that as much as I read, I don’t know of any writers who can give totally different voices to their characters, Dina doesn’t sound like Kate or Maude or Cerise or Rose. They are all completely different. That’s really amazing considering all the characters you have written. Have a great year. I look forward to reading whatever you give us.

  150. Wishing you a wonderful birthday and a Happy New Year! May the new year find you and your family healthy, happy, and home somewhere you love. Treasure your time with your beloved pets and thanks for taking the time to update us on your life and upcoming books! ????????????

  155. Prayers for you all in 2020! I have a 5 pound Yorkie but also a 190# English Mastiff who always protects our little guy from the hawks! It just seems natural for him. I love San Marcos but IH35 makes me nuts! Good Luck in whatever you choose!

  156. Wishing you all the best for your birthday and for the coming year.

    P.S. What about New Hampshire? Wasn’t that on your possibles list at some point? Or somewhere else in the Northeast?

    • Good riddance to 2019, it’s been a rough year. Welcome 2020, hope we’re all happier and healthier in the new year.

  159. Happy New Year and Happy Birthday! You helped us get through the year, and I hope that the BDH gave you some help in return. I wish you both and your kids all the best and strength to withstand the worst in 2020. Enjoy your BDay!

  163. Happy Birthday!
    And a Happy New Year, too!
    May things all work out better for you both in 2020.

  167. Happy Birthday, Happy New Year and Happy New Decade!
    Thank you both for years of entertainment, for characters who make me laugh out loud, for stories that offer some time out when everyday life is rough, and for the vignettes of your life that you share on your blog.
    If you are thinking about moving, why not try Tasmania? Fantastic scenery, wonderful food, the best weather in Australia (speaking as someone who lived on the mainland and moved here with nary a regret), and you are never more than 20 mins from the next town. (Except for that bit in the middle of the west coast – can be up to 40 mins between towns, with the occasional cafe/petrol station out in the middle of nowhere).
    Seriously though, I have been enjoying your books for maybe 10 years, and I hope to be able to follow your creations for many years to come (only medium level pressure there)
    Cheers from a reading knitter in Tassie

  168. While we may be on fire at the moment, Australia is quite lovely most of the time if you are thinking international move… Happy New Years as well

  169. Happy New Year and Happy Birthday…may all your wishes come true….best wishes to you and yours…lol now looking forward to tomorrow to get the next snippet. Thanks

  170. Happy Birthday! We have many Christmas week birthdays, one of which is mine, in my family; and I love it! It’s all party every day! Thank you for the present too!
    But the real reason for my commenting here is to tell you all about our small town of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Because it is a tourist area we do have amenities that are found in larger towns. We don’t have what you are used to in Texas (we used to live in FW and have family in Austin and Dallas), but there are good restaurants and plenty to do. The tourist industry does not really take over our area in the summer as seems to happen in many beach towns. I’m sure there are similar areas in Fla., so J. Frost’s idea has merit.
    However many of our activities are outdoors: golf, tennis, kayaking, biking (we have great trails for bikes) and just walking on the beach. Summers are extremely humid, but that is what pools and oceans are for.
    Most people are transplants and eager to meet and make new friends.
    so there you have it.
    Thank you for all of your well written books. I’m a fan.

  173. Happy birthday, happy New Year, and I’ll second, third and maybe even fourth come to Florida! We moved down 5 years ago this month, and I could not be happier. If nothing else – it’s one of the easiest places in the world to get to by plane. It’s easy and generally less expensive to go see those wandering children (my eldest is in Washington State). 🙂 If you need help finding a home for your Munchkin, you might want to contact one of the CFA clubs in your area. I’m sure they would be glad to help, or at least refer you to help.

  174. Happy Birthday and New Year’s to you! Blessings for a great year of fun and adventures! ????????

  177. Happy Birthday! Thank you for all the wonderful stories this year! Wishing you the happiest (and less eventful) 2020! ????????????

  178. Happy Birthday Ilona and Happy New Year to all y’all. Florida is good and so is Mobile (Alabama) right next door to Florida! Kinda Florida light.???? We’d be happy to play tour guild if you want to come check it out.

  179. Happy birthday and happy new year! ????????????
    Yeah, 2019 was pretty rough. Hopefully 2020 will be better for everyone.
    Thank you for all the writing you both do. Please take a little break before starting Hugh and Elara’s second book. Hugh is up to no good right now. I’m reading Magic Rises.

  180. Happy birthday Ilona. May you always be happy. Also a very Happy New year to you and your family. Thank you so much for sharing your work with us here.

  181. I have not liked 2019 either. Good riddance to the bad stuff, and looking forward to better days. Our granddaughter turns 3 tomorrow, so twinsies on bdays. Jan 1, 2020 marks a new chance to live and love and prosper. If you do move, may your travels bring you joy. Transitions are always nerve racking, but usually worth the stomach acid. May we all have a better year than 2019, and be thankful we are around to see it. Dad’s funeral service is the 10th and I am all over the board emotionally. He lived a full life and I know he is with mom now. Heart and head just aren’t jiving much. In the midst of the grandeur of life there is death. I believe in heaven and hell and reincarnation to get our lessons learned. Second chances are a good thing.

    • Condolences on your loss and may fun and fond memories come to you in the days ahead. May 2020 bring more happiness and less stress for all.

  182. Wishing you a happy birthday and a happy new year ahead. Hopefully this one will be filled with laughter, good health and adventure.

  183. Happy birthday, Happy New Year, and happy end to 2019, the Year of Change Not on my Terms–or yours, apparently.

    We came home to the Hill Country for a little over two weeks, and after 24 hours the cedar fever overwhelmed my system and I am still trying to cough it out, even after arriving back in Bahrain. I would suggest Fredericksburg, as it does have excellent theater and wine, but honestly, as someone with wanderlust, I say move. Keep your current house as home base–as a fall back position for all of you–and go see what there is to see.

    May 2020 bring all the change you want and the stability you need.

  185. Happy birthday to you! Good luck with the doggo and kitter, we lost our Swiss Shepherd a month ago to old age and I’m still mourning. My boy keeps reminding me to ask Jesus to feed him Bosh canned food in the morning, and then my heart breaks all over again…

    May your happy times be many, and your sad times made bearable by friends and family. Burdens shared get lighter and happiness shared multiplies the joy ~

  186. Happy birthday for tomorrow/today and also happy new year to you and your family. Best of luck with the homeing moves for all by the sounds of it. Fingers crossed that if you guys do make another move, that Edwards rehoming might be more a temp holiday until you go to a new place which might not have the same cat catching bird life.

  187. Happy birthday from one New Year’s day baby to another ????
    I too am glad to see the end of 2019, in fact I’m glad to see the end of the entire decade. My home town has been through more than enough and (fingers crossed) this next decade will be a lot kinder.
    Could Gordon’s wanderlust be appeased with a holiday to New Zealand? Think you’d both enjoy having a look around the country ????

  190. Happy bday! and a happy new year to House Andrews as well. I understand wanderlust. I’ve no allergies to speak of, but the central TX summer heat is getting me down more and more. I’m contemplating finding something small to buy in the mountains so I can escape for a month or two – hike in the summer and snowshoe in the winter. Make that list of what you both really want in a home area and what you don’t want. That may help you narrow down sites to explore. Best wishes!!

  191. A very happy birthday and an easy, prosperous New year to you and yours… May it be a blessed one.. aameen
    Also ,thank you for all your entrancing worlds and engrossing words..
    ????❤️????????????❤️????

  192. Hobbit birthday! Give to others on your bday.

    Seattle is gorgeous … some of the time. Summers there are getting hotter, but winters are getting colder and of the six years I lived there after returning, there was very significant snow. Pretty, but I won’t move back. The Central Oregon Coast is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen or lived. When I lived there seven years ago, many of the summers didn’t get warmer than 65, though; but more of them were getting warmer. I’d move back if there was work. I liked Houston, where I lived for four years. Of all of these, I’d choose the Oregon Coast.

  193. Its now 01/01/2020 for me, so you get the Birthday message…….

    Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday to Ilona!!!
    Happy Birthday to Youuuuu…….

  194. Happy Birthday (from the Central US time zone)! And Happy New Year! ????

    Just ignore all the refreshing I’m going to be doing today as I check the website. ????

    I hope your day is filled with what makes you the happiest!

  195. Happy New Year and Happy Birthday! I liked Florida but unless you live in a large city, job prospects aren’t good. Too big a reliance on tourism. It can be very expensive to live there, and getting to the beach can be time consuming. I left in 2004 from Ft. Myers. We had 3 hurricanes in 4 weeks which was a bit much. Bonnie and Frances were on the edges but Charlie did major damage. About 30% of the housing was destroyed about another 30% damaged. Recovery is slow with daily news reports of which stores and gas stations will be open. We were lucky with very minor damages and the housing market made it easy to sell at a profit. We moved to Texas which I love but my allergies hate.

    I was diagnosed with osteoporosis at 30 – it showed up on an x-ray after I fell on the ice. With the bone density of an 80 year old, I decided to move south. I also sold my motorcycle and quit Ti Kwan Do. If you can handle cold, you should consider Minneapolis. Allergies dissipate after the first frost and don’t come back till spring. There really are 10,000 lakes. Check out an arial map. Fishing is good almost all year long, and I can see Gordon in an ice fishing house. I’ve lived in Dallas, Atlanta, Austin, Ft. Worth and still miss the culture and ambiance to be found in Minneapolis. I love the sculpture garden, the Guthrie and the Minneapolis Art Institute. Great shopping. Alas, no Tex- Mex and a friend visiting from the south asked for iced tea and got Asti Spumante. Part is the accent, but ice tea is hard to find, and is usually instant.

  196. Happy New Year!

    Happy birthday!

    Thank you for all the stories and for sharing Texas with me for a little while.

    One of our cats is a runner, too. We have coyotes in the neighborhood, so I chase him back inside.

  197. Happy Birthday and Happy New Year! I hope 2020 is a good one.

    2018 was terrible and it continued into 2019. We’re just starting to recover and I hope it lasts into 2020.

    Right now, I am just happy the house is clean on New Year’s Eve. The Christmas tree isn’t crispy and it looks very nice. We’ll have to take it down soon, but for today it’s lovely and festive.

    I am struggling with a few things. I’m 44. My best friends are 43 and 40 and both are pregnant. I don’t know why it’s throwing me so much. But it is. My husband and I don’t have kids. He loves them and would be happy to have one or two. I like other people’s but have never wanted my own. I don’t think pregnancy is going to happen for me, physically, but all the sudden I just feel, I don’t know? Left out? I had a fertility test done. I don’t know why when “I want a kid because my friends have them” is the worst reason to have a child that I’ve heard of. Anyway… I’m babbling.

    I hope everyone’s 2020 is better than their 2019.

  199. Happy birthday and may 2020 bring a lot of happiness and all you would wish for! I have seen a lot of people around me saying that 2019 was a difficult year and I felt the same way – all for different reasons but it seems to have been that experience for a lot of us. I hope 2020 will be easier… challenges are not a bad thing looking back but going through them I could really do with less challenging and more just having a happy and safe time.

  202. For all in House Andrews may the new year bring joy and contentment and less stress.
    Happy Birthday , Ilona. May you conquer any virtual game and have a fun day.

  203. Yup. 2019 sucked. May 2020 be a year we all get the very best life has to offer.
    May you have a very Happy, Happy Birthday!

  204. Happy birthday! And a happy mew year! Keeping my fingers crossed for a beautiful yarn selection 🙂

  205. Happy Birthday and Happy New Year! Hopefully 2020 treats you kind. Your stories are the best. I’m really looking forward to Emerald Blaze and Iron Covenant 2. And of course the rest of the Innkeeper novella.

    Florida sounds lovely except for the hurricanes. So choose the area you move in very carefully. Proximity to Jeaniene and a possible huge pool are big pluses, though.

    • The solution to the hurricanes can be twofold. I live in the Tampa Bay area, and that area hasn’t been directly hit in a long time, due to (apparently) a variety of influences like gulf floor shelf, etc. Of course, that’s not perfect.

      You can also go inland. In Florida, you’re never more than 2 hours from the beach, if that (and usually due to I-4 traffic or the like). But being inland will decrease the power of a storm.

      Plus, you have warning and can prep/bug out. 🙂

      Allergies, however, are a concern – there are usually a *bunch* of allergens at any given time in the air here.

      Re: the pets. So glad you’re being responsible for the cat. And I have a friend whose sweet puppydog is nearing the end of her journey (probably the last new year’s with her). It’s sad but we try to enjoy her, tell her she’s a sweet dog and the bestest dog (while assuring her “sister” dog of the exact same thing because it’s always true for all the dogs). And give her treats and spoil her. It’s bittersweet but I would never change it. The gift you get for having pets in your life is more than worth it.

      Happy New Year, everyone! Happy birthday, Ilona!

    • Happy birthday, Ilona, and sincere wishes for a happy new year. Thank you for your presents! May you receive as abundantly as you give.

    • The solution to the hurricanes can be twofold. I live in the Tampa Bay area, and that area hasn’t been directly hit in a long time, due to (apparently) a variety of influences like gulf floor shelf, etc. Of course, that’s not perfect.

      You can also go inland. In Florida, you’re never more than 2 hours from the beach, if that (and usually due to I-4 traffic or the like). But being inland will decrease the power of a storm.

      Plus, you have warning and can prep/bug out. 🙂

      Allergies, however, are a concern – there are usually a *bunch* of allergens at any given time in the air here.

      Re: the pets. So glad you’re being responsible for the cat. And I have a friend whose sweet puppydog is nearing the end of her journey (probably the last new year’s with her). It’s sad but we try to enjoy her, tell her she’s a sweet dog and the bestest dog (while assuring her “sister” dog of the exact same thing because it’s always true for all the dogs). And give her treats and spoil her. It’s bittersweet but I would never change it. The gift you get for having pets in your life is more than worth it.

      Happy New Year, everyone! Happy birthday, Ilona!

    • My daughter lives in Asheville, a couple of blocks from downtown. She loves it there. Ten days ago, she sent us a video of a bear walking through her yard. It was not a small bear, as we were able to gauge accurately from the portion where it was next to the car. These are the things a mom loves to see! She said all the dogs in the neighborhood were going nuts, but she paid no attention until she saw the bear, because the dogs all go nuts frequently and randomly. Only now she’s wondering about the randomly part. 🙂

  207. Wishing you a fabulous birthday Ilona, and a peaceful & happy new year to you both!

    If its a yarn birthday, don’t forget to post the photos 😀

  209. Wishing you a Happy Birthday and you guys a peaceful & prosperous New Year.

    Have you considered using Homeopathy for help with allergies etc? It’s what I use as I’m so sensitive I can’t take otc or prescribed medications.

  210. Happy New Year and Happy Birthday! I hope 2020 treats you both more gently that 2019. Thank you for all the wonderful stories.

  212. Happy Birthday Ilona and a happy new year too..Hope this year brings you more good than bad. 🙂

    • Happy New Year and Happy Birthday! Be healthy, be blessed and have a great time! Everything will work itself out when the time comes, new beginnings are sometimes scary, but often fun. Have great day and great year and thank you for the wonderous work that you do!

  214. Happy Birthday Ilona!!! Wishing you a 2020 filled with good health, a great new location, healthy children, less stress and great happiness! Thanks for bringing us so much cheer each year with your storytelling!

  217. Hapy birthday and happy new year.
    I hope next year will be less tough. And thank you for all the bright moments you bring us.

  219. Happy birthday and happy new year!
    You brought me many happy moments with your books and I hope you will receive at list as many moments of happynes in this new year as you have as all.
    Thank you!
    Please excluse my writing , english is not my first language

  221. Happy birthday Ilona! Enjoy your first day and many, many more at the start of this new decade. May your family continue to prosper with much love and blessings.

  222. Happy birthday and happy new year. It is a big transition when the chicks fly and we lose our pets. Many changes. We found a small city with a wooded section gave us the options we needed. Theatre, music, restaurants, and gardens. My grandfather always thought pools were holes in the ground into which you could pore money. Sort of like boats are holes in the ocean. They should be owned and maintained by somebody else. Great to go to. ????

  223. Happy New Year, and Happy Birthday! May all be great for you, and yours. And thank you, in advance, for the story segment.

  226. Perhaps it is time to consider an RV camper so you can travel around the country and find a place without allergens. (For me, dogs and cats top the list, followed by dust and housework.)

    Many blessings in 2020 and have a lovely birthday.

  227. Happy Birthday 🙂 Sending good vibes to help insure that 2020 is better than 2019!!
    But don’t go to Florida, come to upstate NY …. one of the most affordable housing areas in the country and a quick hop to NYC, Boston, Cleveland, and ….. Florida!

    And thank-you to you and to Gordon and your entire team that keeps you inspired to share such wonderful stories.

  228. Happy Birthday! I hope 2020 is a great year for you guys, both personally and professionally. It sounds like you have a lot of change going on, and change is always stressful, even the good stuff.

    Country living IS great, but it is also nice being close to amenities. I bet you could find a great property somewhere close enough to civilization to work for you (even with a big enough pool for Gordon.)

  229. Happy New Year, all of us hope for a better one. May your wander lust bring you to a fabulous new place, I recommend Marion NC where Bigfoot is the town mascot, lol. Can’t wait for iron covenant two, I love Hugh and his iron dogs!! Best of luck with the fur babies, thanks for all you do!

  230. Happy Birthday Ilona! May the new year bring new and wondrous gifts!
    Ps the ocean is a HUGE pool 😉

  231. In case you are looking for feedback, here are some ideas. For the wanderlust: a good fitness getaway such as a Backroads bike tour in Tucson or a week at Rancho la Puerta in Tecate. Or a week exploring Los Angeles (no allergies, great weather). For the area crime: a new front gate like Stephen King and Elvis/Graceland have. (Maybe without the bats and guitars). Dog: I am sorry to hear about your dog. Small cat: agree (new, safer home). Daughters’ plans: Will it be difficult for them to move into their new orbits if you parents are moving away at the same time? In a year, they might want you to move near them. Florida/JF: sounds like a great April 2020 vacation. San Marcos: Your new castle front door is so excellent, a suburban homeowners’ association would want you to apply to your new neighbors for approval to install a castle front door, which is tiresome and stressful. Have you watched Biggest Little Farm? (So good, lots of inspiring ideas and thinking for people with land.) Allergy system: recommend NeilMed Sinus Rinse. Mix distilled water with NeilMed packet of saline in a spray bottle. Plus, new HVAC filters twice a year. Thank you for letting me share. I hope you have a wonderful birthday.

  232. Happy birthday and happy New Year! May 2020 bring joy, knitting (with a complete absence of dropped stitches), and just enough adventure to keep life interesting without overwhelming.

  233. Happy New Year to you all. I wish you a Happy Birthday, Ilona. May your year be filled with good things and not too many deadlines.

  234. Happy Birthday and Happy New Year! Thanks for all you do, and best wishes on negotiating the family living arrangements. Renting sounds like a viable option. Buying to flip, same. Go with the flow, anyway. The possibilities are exciting!

    • I am sorry about Del. It is very tough to lose them. I think about it even when they’re puppies, because it’s in the nature of the love we have for them.

  235. Happy birthday!!!
    Thank you for sharing your talents. So excited for snippet & more Hugh & Elara. Fingers crossed for a much better 2020.

  236. Happy happy birthday! I hope it’s wonderful, and relaxing, and that you feel as appreciated as you are!

  240. Happy Birthday Ilona! And Happy New Year to you, Gordon and the kids. Plus Happy New Year to my fellow BDH members.???? Health, wealth and much happiness to all.

  242. Happy Birthday! (I think New Year’s Day is a better fit for a birthday, than Christmas Eve, which is mine.) Have a lovely, relaxing day.

  243. Happy Birthday! It’s tough when it’s on a holiday but I hope you get to feel extra special and pampered. I hope you both have a New Year that goes better than expected. My heart breaks over your situation with your pets. May you find peace despite the hard choices. Wishing both of you a year of good health, clarity, prosperity and lots and lots of laughter and joy.

  244. Hi Ilona. Happy birthday:)
    I remember you went through some hardship with one of the children having bad headaches. As I suffer from headaches I just wanted to share this remedy with you. There is a brand by the name of Saje. Not sure if it is a French brand. You can find it in big shopping malls in Canada. Not sure about US. But there is a website. They have a natural oil for headache based on Peppermint. I used it and it works. It is not a miracle remedy but I find it helps with headaches as it sooth the muscles.You must apply it at the back of your neck and on your forehead.I thought to share it with you. I hope it helps.
    Have a healthy and happy new year. Roksy

  245. Happiest of Birthdays! Your books bring so much joy into my life! Thank you for giving me amazing worlds to escape to!

  246. Come down to Imperial Beach. It’s only 46 minutes away but it’s a whole different world. Small town but surrounded by the Pacific, Coronado, San Diego and Chula Vista. Perfect.
    Happy birthday!

  247. Happy birthday and Happy New Year! I’m with Gordon on the itchy feet…seems I have to move about every 3-4 years. Or at least rent a house and go some where for a couple of months that is different. My favorite place to live was Nashville. 4 seasons, lots of culture (not just country) and beautiful! I love Houston, but the allergies are fierce! Hope all is well for you and yours in the coming year.

  251. I’d like to start a move to the Portland, ME area campaign?
    Good restaurants, shows, a fantastic local bookstore to host signings for you. ….

  252. Happy birthday and happy new year! 2019 was tough for me too, and hope 2020 is better for all of us! Thanks for all that you guys do!

  253. I am an Oklahoma transplant to Virginia Beach. You might consider moving here. I can’t imagine investing in Florida with all the water problems it’s going to have in the future. We have more flooding here as well, but I have moved to a high house on the water. Virginia Beach has lots of water. I have a big pool on my deck and a tremendous view of waterlife. Right now I’m sitting in the sunroom watching mergenzer(sp?) ducks I had never seen before. There are lots of places to see from here; Washington D.C. 3 hours away in good traffic, a train to NYC nearby, or anything near the East Coast. When i don’t want home upkeep anymore I plan to move to a condo on the beach. Our winters are mild though summers are hot and humid. The beach is 10 minutes away or Norfolk is 20 minutes the other direction, for a more urban feel. Just a thought

  254. Happy birthday!

    Have you thought about New Mexico? We bought some land there, we live in Texas also, and every time we go to visit, I have no allergies. It is a beautiful state with beautiful people. The food is awesome. I can’t wait to move there. At night, the sky is so dark, you can see the stars like you did when you were a kid, when there wasn’t so much light pollution. I told my husband New Mexico is my forever home.

    • +1! I grew up in San Diego, and then roamed the planet with the service. My brother went to school in NM, and we all started visiting. To the point that New Mexico has kind of adopted my family. We all have places in Albuquerque – my parents call it home – bother and I roam a fair bit still. Crazy, because I am an ocean girl. But apparently I am also a mountain girl. NM is kind of stealth. Might look brown and dusty on the outside on a casual drive across I40, but it can be a sparkly geode once you get into it. Food, cultural mix, cool architecture, so much to do outside, so much public art, and I personally love it dry – allergies no problem for me there, whereas damp climates can get me in one way or another. New Mexico’s startlingly blue sky, green chile (or red), Balloon Fiesta, Santa Fe Opera, old adobes, giant expanses, piñons, high, aspen clad hillsides dotted with wildflowers, and lots of sunshine…

  255. Happy Birthday! Just had mine on Christmas Day so I know what you mean when it’s nice that everyone gets a gift on your birthday. I was born and raised in Texas and moved to Canada-don’t miss the ragweed. We have some allergens here but not as bad as Texas. Hope you get all the yarn you were wishing for.

    • Happy birthday and New Year!! Have you thought about a catio for your cat?? That way he can be outside in a protected area

  256. Happy birthday. The worst allergic reactions I ever had were in Texas. Turned out I was allergic to mesquite. Who knew? We had to cross it off our retirement options.

    Thanks for another year of good reading.

  257. Happy birthday and happy New year! Some years are just really hard and I’m so glad y’all made it through this one and are ready to consider changes in 2020 that will make life better. We made the same move from City to country/small town and are so much happier after moving again back to an urban area. Country is nice to visit but GrubHub, trails (vs wild), and activity is nice in day-to-day life. Moving is awful, but making positive change makes it worth it. Good luck!

  258. Happy birthday and Happy New Year. 2019 has been a tough year for everyone, I think. Hoping that 2020 will be an improvement. As my mother used to say (and it drove me nuts at the time, but she was right), “This, too, shall pass.”

  260. I hear Chapel Hill is very nice for country living and Brenham is about 15 minutes away. Don’t know if it would make any difference with allergies. Happy New Year!

  261. Happy birthday Ilona! And a very happy new year to you, Gordon & your whole family! I hope 2020 brings you all wonderful things 🙂

    I for one am glad to see the back of 2019 so let’s hope this year will be a better one all round!

  262. You give wonderful gifts. Thank you for all the books, snippets and just fun posts. I love the BDH community you have created for us.
    Wishing you a wonderful birthday!!
    Happy New Year!

    • Happy birthday to you 🙂
      Wishing House Andrews the very best for 2020.
      Any snippet, every novel or novella is a welcome addition to my library.

    • Happy Birthday and Happy New Year. May 2020 bring y’all all good things. Thank you for being so generous with your talents. Blessings.

  263. Happy Birthday and Happy new year!
    Wishing you a great 2020, a healthy, happy, joyful and amazing year for you and your family.
    Hopefully no more curveballs, and lots of yarn.
    Alles Liebe und Gute undHerzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag!

  264. Happy Birthday! Hope your day is wonderful. We made the decision to stay in VA, where we have been for over 20 years. Downsized a little and moved 15 minutes further west. So far the move has been great although this keeps us far from family. On the upside, we are far from family. I’m so sorry about your cat – it’s so hard when loved family members have to go even it it is the best thing for everyone. Have a happy and healthy new year.

  265. Happy birthday! I hope you find a pool big enough with a house attached that appeals. Thank you for all your hard work. I thank Gordon too ????.

  266. As a native Floridian, I can attest that your allergy problems would be even WORSE in Florida. And it’s not seasonal, it’s year-round.

  267. NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FLORIDA
    VOLUSIA COUNTY
    I was amazed at the small town, artsy feel.
    I was awed by the backwoods, red neck feel of the outer areas. My sister finally moved there after years of Bike Weeks and partial residency. When I went to visit, it was almost like their home in Osceola,NY….just exchanging snow for sand. I was impressed at how up & coming New Smyrna Beach is for arts, music without losing the laid back feel.
    I’m convinced!!!

  268. Happy Birthday. You share the date with my late mother. Am so happy to celebrate your birth along with Mom’s.

  271. You and Gordon may have already done this, but you may want to get some allergy testing before you decide on a place to move.

    Happy birthday in advance, it’s a blessing to make it another year. I can’t tell you how grateful I am to you two – your stories have added so much enjoyment to my life.

    • I second the allergy testing. We moved to an area in the country outside Houston and I was on the couch for three months sick with horrible allergies. Come to find out grass is a big problem, the grass grown for hay…and we live in an area where they cut lots of hay. I got allergy shots for three years in my late 40’s and they made a big difference. Didn’t totally fix it…older immune system and all…but enough to make a noticeable difference.

      There are no shots for wanderlust. ????

  272. I hope your birthday–and 2020–are wonderful for you and your family. Twenty-nineteen was not that bad…..we’re all still standing. <3 Thank you for the joy and entertainment, as well as the opportunity to live in another world, at least for awhile.

  273. Hope you had the happiest of birthdays and have the best of New Years. Thank you for all you write!

  274. Hope your birthday and New Year are the happiest! The gifts of your books are some of the most precious I own! It takes courage to consider rehoming a beloved pet. When circumstances simply can’t be resolved I believe the choice must be in the animals best interests and that’s exactly what you’re doing. I have mild asthma and mild allergies but found moving a bit more North in Texas – from Houston to Weatherford- made an appreciable difference. You may want to explore Weatherford, it’s a beautiful smaller town just 20 miles due West of Fort Worth. But that 2O miles makes a huge difference; close enough to great cultural resources (plus DFW airport and a local H-E-B!) but with a very low crime rate, fabulous historic homes, excellent and extensive medical facilities and services and very high quality in city services. I leased a lovely farmhouse built in 1890 for 8 months before snapping up a 1919 craftsman cottage (I’m downsizing!). The real estate market here is hot for historic home renovations and they are superbly well done. There are also gorgeous new homes and lots of land. Just my two cents on possible opportunities. Wherever your hearts and spirits lead you, I’ll lift you up for happy outcomes.

  275. Happy shared Birthday! Hope you enjoy your day. Happy New Year to you and your family. Cheers to a better year.

  276. Did I hear Iron Covenant 2? Hooray! How do you turn a despicable villain into someone to root for? Don’t know, don’t care, love it!

  278. Happy Birthday Ilona! Best wishes to House Andrews for 2020!

    My opinion is it would probably be helpful to do some allergy testing to see what you guys are allergic too. That could help narrow down where you might want to live. I will say my son’s allergy shots make a big difference to his springtime as he problems with plants.

    As for actually moving places maybe more traveling is needed. ????

    Good Luck

  279. I read something recently, and I rather liked it over the “you’ll look back on this and smile” or “this is good luck in disguise” because sometimes, crap happens and we can’t do a damn thing about it. It was “this has a place in your life.” I liked that better because it’s not a false platitude trying to dupe me into thinking it was a good thing in disguise. It may not seem like it now, but you’ll look back on it and know that it has its place in your past, and it contributed something to your life. Whether that contribution is good or bad is irrelevant, it is still a part of you, and thus makes you who you are. I hope your new year is everything you need it to be.

    Happy Birthday!

  280. Happy Birthday 🙂

    To everyone the best wishes for the new Year.

    I recently finished >Sweep of the Blade< and it was so great! 🙂
    I liked it very much and can't wait to read another Story with Maud, Arland and Helen <3
    The first Chapters of the new Innkeeper Book sound promising and I am excited, how things will go on.

    Greetings,
    Ann

  281. Hi Ilona Quercetin works really well for allergies. 100 percent natural no side effects that I am aware of. I use and I also use it for my dog as she has allergies. If you choose to try please buy it at a quality vitamin shop. Organic if you can get It. the regular stores carry garbage that has been sprayed with chemicals. I hope this helps. Happy New Year. ????

  282. Happy B-Day! May 2020 be a much better year. Thank you for all the fun in 2019.
    Western Montana is an awesome place to live–and you could do the snowbird thing to satisfy the wanderlust and nesting.

  283. I have a kitty that wants to be outside all the time, but we don’t have too many large birds of prey around here. Maybe a outdoor cat pen? I’ve seen them online, they look pretty much like a chicken coop, but with stuff for cats.

    2019 has been pretty hard for me too. Mama cat was diagnosed with an enlarged liver and failing kidneys this summer. Since she’s 20, it’s not really much of a surprise she’ll be gone soon. Baby kitty was diagnosed Dec 23 with an inoperable tumor on her jaw, it has eaten half of her jaw away, so there is no bone to support her mouth if they were to remove it. She’s 16, but it still hit pretty hard coming so soon after mama cat started to decline. I got her as an unweaned kitten, I can’t imagine my life without them. My dad has been in an out of the hospital this year for various illnesses, and my mom is having trouble with her spine, but is resisting having surgery even though it would take care of most of the issue. FIL has cancer again, blood cancer instead of lung cancer, so harder to treat, and his wife is also having health issues. The outlook for FIL is hopeful, if he can survive the chemo a second time. I hope 2020 brings better health for my family.

    On the bright side, yay for house hunting! It’s both annoying and exciting to move. We’re hoping to move farther north in a few years, my husband is getting fed up with the company he works for, and wants to find the same work somewhere else. I’m excited at the prospect of living in the country again, though I cringe to think of the internet speed in nowhereville. If you don’t move to Florida, I still highly recommend the mountains of North Carolina. It’s so beautiful, I’m vacationing there again this coming summer.

    May 2020 bring prosperity and joy to your family. Can’t wait to read your new books this year 🙂

  284. Happy birthday, Ilona!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️

    Have you guys considered living in another country for a few months or so? The pearl harbor delta in China is lovely, a large portion of my family lives there. I would recommend Macau. It’s westernized enough that you won’t get (too much) culture shock. The architecture is beautiful, the food is amazing (Cantonese / Portuguese and fusion – Omg I have so many recs; the pork chop buns, the milk custard, the curry fish balls), the beaches are ????????????, the people are mad chill, and it’s a thirty-forty minute walk across the border to China proper in Zhuhai and not that far away from Shenzhen which everyone hails as the melting pot of China. It’s also a ferry ride away from Hong Kong, though I can see why you’d be hesitant to visit now. The bus takes you everywhere or you could get a scooter. The streets are too narrow for Americans to drive, imo.

    I lived there with my aunt’s family for a bunch of summers… Best memories… *sighs*

  285. Happy Birthday Ilona! Good luck on deciding on moving…I’m settling in back in the Northwest after 35+ years. One of my children has just moved in. I wonder if I’m very distantly related to Gordon cuz my dad also had the wanderlust and would move about every 3-5 years. Must have driven my mother nuts.
    Also, best wishes on adapting to the offspring starting new chapters in their lives and I am sorry that you are having to face changes with the pets.
    To anyone who has read this far, best wishes for 2020 and the new decade!

  286. Happy birthday and happy new year! Thank you for the blog posts and, of course, sharing such wonderful worlds with us. I hope 2020 brings you and your family great new adventures and happiness.

  287. Yay, Happy Birthday ???????????????????????????????????????????????? aaaaaannnnd a Happy New Year!

  288. Happy birthday and thank you for everything that you do. I know the saying ‘ everything happens for a reason’ may seem trite. But I have found that things work out in the end. Here’s wishing you a happy and healthy 2020.

  289. Happy Birthday, Ilona. Thank you for all the joy you bring to so many of us readers, all over the world. Wishing you and the family a fabulous year and decade ahead. ????

  291. Happy Birthday!!! Today is my husband’s birthday as well; he is a triplet. His father was ecstatic to welcome them into the world however he was also upset about not being able to claim them for his last year’s taxes haha. Enjoy your day!!

  292. So obviously it’s crazy to take life advice from a blog comment but may I recommend a short vacation to Tucson? It’s a city that punches way above its size in cultural weight (theatre, music, symphony, opera, book festival and omg the food) but also offers a lot of peace-and-quite-and-wilderness even within the city limits in the right neighbourhood, and tons about 30 minutes drive out of the center. And the dry desert air is as good as you’re going to get for allergies.

  293. Sure, do Florida while it is still there. Then the wanderlust can kick in while the seas rise. And if you love warm weather and white sand beaches, it really is nice. You just need to have a plan to move on.

    • Florida? Dengue Fever, West Nile Virus, and several other tropical diseases are increasing in frequency. Flooding? Steadily worse. Fresh water? Rapidly decreasing supply due to saltwater intrusion. Nice place to visit, in winter. Live there? Only if you’re willing to risk it.

  294. Happy birthday to Ilona.

    Happy New Year to your family and of course Miss Brandi.

    Thank you for the holiday snippet on your birthday. Nice!

    Here’s hoping 2020 is a bright year for you in all ways and if you do move house I hope it can be somewhere you will want to stay forever (despite that wanderlust of Gordon’s).

    I know moving house is stressful, having just done it recently. The main upside is the opportunity for another round of decluttering. Good luck with the search…is that Florida I hear calling?

    Happy 2020.

  296. I probably shouldn’t be admitting to remembering this but I think you looked into Florida before? Also, happy birthday and new year!

  297. Happy Birthday and best wishes for a wonderful new year!
    Allergies – my brother moved to Georgia and allergies were overwhelming him. He can’t do over the counter because it makes him groggy and unsteady, which is not good in the work he does. I found him a supplement called Rootology. He has been pretty happy with the results using it. It is available various places online…check prices, varies quite a bit.

  298. Happy Birthday! I hope the New Year brings you happiness and joy!
    You are both such a gift. I love reading your posts and the story snippets always at a smile to my day. I’m looking forward to the release of Emerald Blaze and Iron Covenant 2!
    Happy 2020!

  299. Wishing you a happy birthday with all the yarn you could wish for.????
    ⚓ Hope you solve the wanderlust situation…I can’t deal with lack of theatre stores either!

  303. Happy Birthday Ilona!! Hope your birthday was fun for you. 2020 is going to be a stellar year for all of us.

  304. Happy birthday! My family and I are also relieved to have 2019 over. What a difficult year! My mother-in-law just died unexpectedly, leaving 10 (!) cats in her tiny condo for us to rehome. She was such an animal lover and rescuer of homeless and/or feral cats. It is nearly impossible to find a home for middle-aged to elderly cats. So for now, they are residing in a cat patio, catio. Thankfully we are in the south where winter is a joke and they have shelter and beds galore which we built in. Edward would perhaps like a catio or screened in porch if rehoming proves difficult.

  306. You really, really don’t want to move to Florida. And that’s all I have to say about that. Happy New Year! I know what you mean about that sense of having survived to see the numbers roll around again. I hope 2020 proves to be a better year for us all. I know getting to read new fiction from you guys will make any part of my year better and I look forward to it all

    • I enjoy hearing from you and look forward to the great fiction you guys have in the works for us! I only have one animal but my sympathies for the sorrow of the prospective loss, of the animal and the proximity to your children as well.

      You both have beautiful souls. May the coming year bring some beauty back to you. ????

  307. San Marcos when Aquarena Springs was up and running was very different. I still miss the Lord of the Rings themed restaurant, Rivendell. Granted they had odd hours, took cash only, so they made it hard to frequent them. I’d drive from south Austin to there, about an 1 hour round-trip. Whenever I was in the area. Though I hear the mermaid parade is still fun.

    Happy Birthday, happy new decade, happy new year. May there be lots of yarn, and adventures with Gordon in your future. 🙂

  308. Ilona
    Happy Birthday ????????????????
    Mine was Dec 12…..these are generally not the ideal Birthday dates but our TB Echo is stuck with Jan 1 also ,and so it goes….
    I have lived in the boonies of WA, since 1981,so I am used to the Delma of longer drives to theatre and concerts….
    There are however out door perks,no venomous snakes mountains and beaches 2. Hours away ,decent lunch places…skiing,hiking,horses,and lots of yarn too
    It’s a thought
    The Pacific Northwest…..
    I have a small but comfortable guest cabin surrounded by Douglas fir.,you could base camp a few days and see if you liked it…
    No floods where I am,but rarely an earthquake we are on solid basalt Rock, but we do get rain and sometimes some snow…..
    Summers pretty darn nice May through Oct….

  309. I wish you a very happy birthday, even if it’s late now, and a very, very happy new year. My husband works in cyber security, let me tell you this is a very smart choice from your kid…she will be able to choose.

  310. Happy birthday (belatedly)! May the new year and every next bring you loads of joy and precious, happy memories with loved ones!

  312. Happy birthday Ilona! If I were in your shoes I’d move closer to sea in a city with a couple of hospitals and amazing by the seaside restaurants!

  313. Hello. A happy new year to you all and to you both. I have just finished Kate’s story. Wow. I will read them again later. My birthday is on the 15th. So it is not the best time. My 2 sons are 23 and 26 th of December. They mention the trouble it causes. I live in Orkney an island off the coast of Scotland. We did a big move 6 years ago. Never regretted it. Our children are beginning their own journeys and we are on ours. Go for yours.
    Began reading your innkeeper stories and am gradually learning about more and more of your books. Love them all so far. Enjoy time together without the writing too. .
    Like many 2019 has given us ups downs and thankfully here we are in 2020. I send health and peace to all and hope 2020 is good to you all too

  314. Many Happy Returns of your birthday. And thank you for Innkeeper.
    With a new space station with a multispecies clientel I have been wondering if Maud will send someone to Orro to be trained as a proper chef for the statiom.

  315. Belated Happy Birthday and good luck for the upcoming year. I hope your yarn stash increased substantially.

  318. “Life is what gets in the way when you are making plans.” I came hear looking for info on the new “Iron Covenant” book and was sad to hear that you had difficult year. Know that your dedicated fans understand and continue to read all your new releases. Happy to see a new Innkeeper book on the list. Thank you for the hours of pleasurable reading both of you have given us. Happier New Year in 2020 and a very Happy Belated Birthday.

  319. Happy belated birthday and I hope your 2020 is magical! There is this lady I once worked with who would not make any big decisions or purchases in odd numbered years….. so I figure with this not only being an even year but also the start of a new decade, it simply must be a good year for all things new and wonderful ♡

  320. Maybe try an RV with slides. You could park as long as you pay somewhere then move easily.

  321. Happy birthday Ilona and may the force be nice to you and give you a year without hardship, catastrophe or Armageddon!

  323. There is no housing market failure in Jacksonville, FL. My house is back up to its pre2008 value. However, consider Green Cove Springs or Switzerland. They are both beautiful areas close to Jax and have a small town feel.

    I don’t know anything about the Ft.Myers market but you might want to visit Sanibel-Captiva.

    I also love Maine. In the Spring, Summer and early Fall. Become a Snowbird!

  324. Have you watched, The Good Place? The show automatically assigns anyone who was a resident of Florida to The Bad Place. The show is worth checking out, and I’m hoping you avoid Florida :).

    Happy Holidays to you and yours! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season despite the 2019 challenges.

    As for 2020, I wish you and your family many blessings this coming year. Hopefully, it will be better than anticipated.

  325. Well good luck, wherever you wind up roaming! (You know Florida’s sinking, right? …..just saying…..And I hear Phoenix is sinking too, which I thought was more surprising). Happy Holidays to you and yours! Enjoying the novella! Already pre-bought it! Life is good. 🙂

  326. It makes me very sad to think you may be moving. If it’s to Florida or somewhere else. I’m afraid your visits to Murder By the Book will stop. Sniff. I know Jeaniene is in Florida, but when I think of that state, all I can think of are endless hurricanes. Very scary!

    Hugs.

  327. Happy Belated. Birthday!! I hope it was a great day. My allergies kicked in October and haven’t left so don’t come to Georgia. Are allergies bad in Arizona? I Have no idea about allergies in Florida. Renting sounds fabulous for the same reasons as Gordon’s. Cheerio!

  328. I have lived in FL all my life and I love it. Hurricanes rarely cause as much damage as the news hype shows. And where you close to live in the state also impacts the likelihood of getting storms. South FL and the keys are frequent targets along with the panhandle.
    If you tried somewhere near Tallahassee you could still have that small town feel and most of the hurricanes are out of energy by the time they get that far inland.
    Living near the water is beautiful. I love my commute to work across Tampabay. But the sad trade off is my house will likely be underwater in 30 years or so.

  329. In Australia we have a way of treating allergies called desensitization. It involves having a skin test to identify major allergies. (Light scratches are made on the skin
    With a needle dipped in the allergen serum. The source and level of allergy is then assessed.) Once the source of the allergy is assessed, one has a series of needles building up resistance to that agent. It starts out with weekly needle, then fortnightly and monthly. The whole process lasts up to a couple of years but has been very successful for me. I had developed an allergy to dogs. I can now cuddle my girls again without developing a rash. It has also worked for my grass allergy. It is great not to have to be reliant on medication anymore. It is used here a lot with children for food allergies.
    Thank you for all the hard work you put into your writing, to give us all such pleasure and an escape from lifes slings and arrows.
    Happy 2020 from Western Australia

  331. Happy Birthday and I hope you get a better year for 2020 and some tea and yarn you like for your birthday.

  332. Yarn. I don’t know why but it makes the world better. Here’s wishing you much joy and yarn in 2020.

  333. A good place to live – Try looking at Asheville, NC and south (down the interstate) past Hendersonville into extreme western SC.
    https://livability.com/best-places/top-100-best-places-to-live/2019/nc/asheville
    https://realestate.usnews.com/places/north-carolina/asheville
    I live in Maryland, but my folks retired to Hendersonville from Houston. They loved it, and the kids and I enjoyed the area when I visited them.
    Best wishes and good luck.

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