So we finished the “novella” project. It was supposed to be a 20K story. It is now 40K. I am not sure what reaction this will produce on the editorial end. Once we have more details, a cover, and a preorder link, I will let you know more.
We are pivoting back trying to take another stab at Ruby Fever. I still violently hate it, but we shook on it and the readers are waiting for it, so I need to stop being wishy washy on it and just make it happen.
Make it happen.
Hopefully I have more success than Osaka. If we make no reasonable progress in the next month or two, we will do something else.
I’m in this weird position where we have things happening, but none of them are at the stage where we can introduce them to you.
On the ordinary life side of things, we had hail the size of small apricots last night. It was so loud and scary, that our oldest cat, who hunts snakes for fun and is afraid of nothing, actually screamed in alarm.
Today is wet and grey and that’s how this whole spring has been. Bleah.
We’re both getting our second shots in early may hopefully. I have never been that excited about syringes, let me tell you. I’m slowly rebounding. I managed to work out sessions this week. We bought new appliances for the Kid 2’s house. We are in the process of trying to get it painted. I have a feeling that the people who owned it worked in construction and must’ve gotten remainder paint, because the entire house is painted light pastel pink. The walls, the baseboards, everything. We need to figure that out.
So tell me about your plans. Once the pandemic is controlled, where do you plan on going? What do you plan on doing?
Barbara says
I’m trying to arrange a trip to Portugal this summer with my niece. She’s about to start her last year of college and the only time she can go is July. Crossing our fingers that they will be open to vaccinated Americans.
MerryB says
Road trips! If we got to go to Colorado or New Mexico or Big Bend or the Grand Canyon, this would be awesome. We’ll happily settle for day trips or going into the grocery store, though.
I hope you both have been enjoying the sekret projects.
I’m so sorry Ruby Fever is trouble. I have really enjoyed Catalina, growing into herself. Her entire world is amazing, actually, and I love all the stories in it.
Thank you, Gordon and Ilona.
Angela says
Maybe we will cross paths! We rented a Verbo in Santa Fe this summer and then we are going on to see family in Denver. We are all fully vaccinated and I am so ready to road trip!
Élodie says
Courage for your work ! ????????????????
It’s great that you can be vaccined ! On the road to be free again ????
Still to young to be vaccined (France) but as soon as we are allowed I’ll do it, just for the peace of mind, to see family, live mask free and travel again ????
Nothing planned for the moment but on the wish list is:
– little trip with a friend of mine to see beautiful places in France (because we always go far away but never visit the places closest to us)
– Go to Greece, just to enjoy the sun, visit and relax
– Go on a weekend or holiday with my boyfriend, it does not have to be far away, I just wanna relax and change of scenery and forget the world is crumbling lol
Wish any of that could happen soon ????????
Tim McCanna says
I agree with the simple events outside the house as well as the development of Catalina! My son and I received our second vax a week ago and the relief was far higher than I anticipated.
Ilona and Gordon, thank you for what you have presented to us for so long. I’m old enough to try to accept with grace what others offer.
AmyG says
Yes, come to NM! We have hot air ballooning & a great vaccination rate! NM DOH has done an excellent job.
First 2 wkends in Oct are expensive hotel-wise, but we have a hot air balloon festival that is awesome-sauce!
Since moving from SoCal, I’ve really embraced the ABQ culture. We have a NM question: red or green? (Chile, & Christmas is an acceptable answer)
Cheers!
Jana Oliver says
Portugal is delightful! The locals are sweet, the food is amazing and there’s so much to see and do. One tip: bring shoes that have some gripping tread on them in case it rains and you’re trekking around one of the cities. The paving stones (calçadas) are decorative and slick as anything. Ask me how I learned that (wink).
Linda says
I’m reading comments here realising how lucky I am to be in Aotearoa (New Zealand). We’re kind of just carrying on, while copying with low levels of soy based chicken products. Ok, possibly it’s only me who this is a thing for.
On Ruby Fever – could you go all Kate Daniels on it – stab it repeatedly with something sharp and see if it submits.
Love your work!
Tylikcat says
I’m envious! I was supposed to go to Portugal last summer (for work, but still).
Debs says
Travel! Within the US for now but it’s still traveling ????
Karen the Griffmom says
Yay you! Visiting all of the people I haven’t been able to hug since a year ago this past March. My mom has dementia and is in a nursing home; trying to explain COVID protocols during the three visits we’ve been allowed in 14 months hasn’t been fun. We finally were able to hug (masked and shielded) at last visit. She wasn’t crying when we left.
Pablo Alvarez says
Visiting all the people I haven’t been able to hug in the last year is exactly the top of my list! A lot of them are in Spain… some in Oklahoma too, but have not made precise plans yet.
Alice says
i live in Montana three of my many sisters live in Reno, so that might be a nice trip where i could drive. for summer plans, staining the decks and refinishing a rocking chair i found at a thrift store, while wasting time waiting for my second vaccine appointment.
Bonnie says
Ibiza with 3 girlfriends for a long fun weekend. Swear to GOD I miss travel like a lovely ex-boyfriend
SharonW says
We’re planning family visits that involve US travel. I would love to get on a plane again, but I feel too anxious to do that right now. We are also getting ready to paint the exterior of our house; it’s been about 15 years, and the paint looks bad.
Mimi says
My house feels for your house Sharon. It’s been 15 years for us too but the power washing is done and this weekend the patching and priming begins!!
Ilona, there are worse things than pink!. When we moved in many years ago (the 80’s) all of the upstairs walls were turquoise with nice bright orange shag carpet…
Amancay says
My friend’s house had 70/80’s walls. Burnt orange, but alternating strips of glossy and matte. Made it impossible to paint over!
My mom got lucky with just having green wallpaper on the walls and ceiling (why?!) but dark pink moldings. It did not go well.
Cath says
First home was bought in the 80s. One bedroom deep purple with chocolate brown carpet and another bedroom chocolate walls with purple carpet. Just moved last month and in this house everything is grey – I’m too old for grey so we’re painting the whole house cream because we’re not chic and stylish and grey is so depressing!
Kathleen says
Right, you’re in Texas which with 4″ hailstones falling in some areas .
MerryB says
Did you see the report last night about the storm coming out of Mexico toward Spiffied with baseball sized hail stones?
Leslie says
Get it together! That is all of our motto’s right now.
I’m hoping to visit friends in Boston and Seattle! And then onto Greece in September for some climbing and a wedding.
Really looking forward to learning the details about this new novella. New HA works are always a cause for celebration. 🙂
barbie doll says
We are planning a cross country trip in our trailer. We have done it before. We have family in Illinois, Virginia and Florida. We hope to spend the winter in Florida. We start in Washington state. It is looking dicey because all the RV parks seem to have a lot of reservations already. Getting reservations for that many nights is a pain. I have a question I maybe shouldn’t ask so forgive me in advance. Why do you hate RubyFever. I think you might have said but I can’t remember. Perhaps a sign of advanced age. You don’t have to answer.
Moderator R says
Hey Barbie Doll,
Ilona addressed this in the comments on this post https://ilona-andrews.com/2021/advances-how-they-work/ . It is a combination of mismanaged burnout, pandemic and pressure from certain readers who directed a lot of hate at Catalina as a character.
Nancy Sumpter says
How can anyone hate Catalina, and if they do, just swallow it or dont read the book. I grew up when if you couldnt say something nice, you just didnt say anything. I love the snippet with the new house I have read it a gazillion times while sighing that we wont see the book until next year. What I have read so far I really, really love. I love all your characters, even the villains ????
Jenn says
Catalina is my favorite. I love her strength, magic as a siren, and just the depth I feel she has. She’s a mix of light and dark which I enjoy. Just saying. ????????????
Kathleen says
Yes, you are right. I love Catalina and will read her story as soon as the book is release.
Rita says
+1 agree 100% with this
Tylikcat says
Right? I adore Catalina – her underlying pragmatism, her emphasis on delegation… it’s both shows a kind of maturity, but contributes to her emotional isolation. She resonates.
(I mean, I’m a known bitch, so…)
Mary says
Catalina is awesome ????
Siobhan says
I like Catalina better than Nevada. She’s sneakier and smarter by leaps and bounds. And more self-aware.
All that being said, I LOVE the Hidden Legacy world, and while I know there are contractual issues and I’m unlikely to get what I want, I wish wholeheartedly that Ilona & Gordon would have the time to recover because
A) I can’t imagine a book they hate writing is going to be as good as a book they enjoy writing
B) I’d rather wait a couple years, the way we had to after Burn For Me, and keep open the chance for future HL books than have House Andrews produce this book they hate so much and likely never write another word in this series.
All sadness. All sympathy, and yes, all selfish reasons. But the sympathy is nonetheless real.
jewelwing says
Catalina’s smarter in a different direction. It’s not about how smart someone is, it’s about how they are smart.
Nancy says
Catalina is a lovely character and any haters should just be ignored. They are not worth the stress they cause. The Hidden Legacy books are my favorites, though, it really is hard to pick a favorite series. I love Blood Heir too, along with all the other IA books. All the HL characters add so much to each story, though I admit Cornelius is my favorite minor character. Last week I actually told my Mom that my sister was emotionally compromised, which made my sister (also a fan) laugh. ( There were septic tank issues in her 50+-year-old house that were able to be resolved without to much pain, but at that point my sister didn’t know the extent of the problem and was a bit hyper.) Ilona should write the book as she wants and the BDH will scarf it up. Haters don’t count.
MerryB says
Thank you, Moderator R.
I am so sorry for the stress and the idiot commenters. Even more sorry that Ilona or Gordon became aware of their hateful idiocy.
Rose says
“… and pressure from certain readers who directed a lot of hate at Catalina as a character.”
That is so disappointing to hear. I may have my own issues with a character but I’m aware they are MY issues. And I don’t with Catalina. I know she’s not a Nevada clone but that’s good. I don’t want to read Nevada’s story 2.0; if I do want Nevada, I’ll reread her own story.
I expect, should Arabella’s come to light, that she won’t be a Nevada OR a Catalina clone…as it should be, IMO.
Best of luck to you all – I know we’re all under a lot of pressure the past year. Thank you for providing well needed breaks from reality!
Rose
Bill from NJ says
I can’t believe people sent hate mail about Catalina. I think honestly these are ppl w serious issues, it is just a story. Now if people complained about promoting driving Alfa Romeos that is understandable, even ppl who love them would get upset:)
Know that you have a lot of fans who think the people who complained are *ICKY*
Va says
Any way to make the killing off of Arkan symbolic for ending the pandemic? Could that become therapeutic?
I’m sorry you still get a visceral reaction to Ruby Fever. I don’t know the exact numbers but it takes something like 14 positive stories/comments to overcome one negative.
I too love Catalina. But then again, you have said you disliked a lot of your stories that I have thoroughly enjoyed and read on repeat. If Arabella gets her own story I’m looking forward to watching her character and personality grow and develop.
Good luck the next few months. But sounds like you have a good plan no matter which way it goes.
SueM says
Hopefully we can generate enough positivity to make these trolls disappear. Virtually, as it is in a fictional story. The kind that is not your real life, has no bearing on your real life and is all in your mind.
In my mind they can do no wrong. Looking forward to all future projects.
Teresa says
I love Catalina. I have read her books over and over. Thank goodness for her. You did such a good job making her an incredible personality. I could not believe how much you developed her and the rest of the family while staying true to the story line. Wonderful!!!!!!!
Maria says
“certain readers who directed a lot of hate at Catalina as a character”
This is why we can’t have nice things.
People can be awful.
Kelticat says
The Catalina hate reminds me of a comment someone posted about a book that I read and they hadn’t yet. They went on a rant about character X being the most evil character outclassing characters Y and Z. Z murdered her own children and attempted to break up the relationship between her husband and his best friend. Y was a pedophile. X protected and avenged children targeted by pedophiles, protected a friend from predatory people who wanted to ruin his marriage, and eventually married said friend. And my reaction was “where is all the hate for this character coming from?”
Kat in NJ says
Life is too short to waste any of your time or energy on people who hate for the sole purpose of making themselves feel better. See them as they are: jealous, small, unhappy people who must live really sad lives if they feel it necessary to criticize people (Catalina) who aren’t even real! The rest of us love whatever you write! ????
Elle says
I love all of the characters, but I think Catalina is my favorite. She is nuanced, unique, and so human. Many thanks to the authors for creating the HL world.
I am personally most fascinated by the Innkeeper Chronicles and hoping for a new installment there. Klaus? Where did Dina’s father come from? I have theories after reading The Edge series. And, of course, what happened to Dina’s parents?
But I will read anything by these authors as they are brilliant.
Mina says
Catalina is different from Nevada… that is the point! Actually it’s quite impressive (and a testament to their skill & experience) that House Andrews are able to create distinct, strong female characters true to the World they’ve created.
The sour grapes Catalina haters miss the point. There is no way to one-up the initial trilogy- the only way forward is to forge a new path. If they had created Catalina as Nevada 2.1, then House Andrews would have opened themselves up to the criticisms of NOT being able to create new work.
Damned if you do… Damned if you don’t…. whatever you guys create is 100% worth reading.
Thank you for remaining open to the comments of the BDH, and thank you for your passion and dedication- we love your worlds, and we love you guys. Hang in there!
AmyG says
Cross-country is tough. Maybe try some casino lots for RV camping? Bro-in-law in OR said they were hospitable. 😀
MrsK says
As soon as the pandy is over, I’m visiting my bestie in South East England (I live up north). We will eat wonderful food, and talk absolute nonsense and drink cocktails under the stars and it will be glorious. I can’t wait to hug people again ❤️
Keera says
I am usually very introverted and had resigned myself to not meeting anyone new at our new duty station.
Well I found 2 ppl I really click with at a new job then bam Covid shut down. One doesn’t work with us anymore, she couldn’t deal with remote system issues. But we meet virtually every two weeks to play games, chat and catchup. We do text daily also.
We all got our shots the same weekend just at different times. So this weekend we will be meeting up in person.
Still wearing masks but at least we can see each other.
I never thought the day would come when I actually wanted to see people who weren’t my family.
Elizabeth says
I’m ridiculously excited for you and your friends! I hope you have a fantastic time.
Letitia says
The British Isles in September! Postponed from last year. I hope you get a chance to go wherever your heart desires!
Dawn says
At least for this n=1, I certainly would not mind a longer story than expected 🙂
I’m hoping to travel to London! I was planning on studying abroad, but covid has derailed that twice already and I’m graduating soon, so I’d love to still get to experience going abroad somehow while I still have a more flexible schedule!
Nina says
+1 from this n=1 😉
Debi Murray says
We are all waiting for number 2 kid’s second Covid shot.
I am patiently waiting for the cruise lines to get their acts together and decide on rules for reopening.
Meanwhile, Casa Murray will get its first post Covid guests next week. Former Pier 1 co-worker and my honorary granddaughter. Huzzah!
Stacey says
My grand dream involves going to a restaurant without the kids and sitting down at a table to eat not in my house.
Sabrina says
YES
I may have developed issues over the past year XD
Christa says
We waited for White Hot. As much as I don’t want to, we can wait for Ruby Fever too. I personally think HL is your best work and would rather have something you are proud of than something you did to get it done.
Lynn Thompson says
Thank you, Ilona Andrews, for the chuckle. Glad to know you can check off a project item. Here my to do list keeps mushrooming.
Kilz the house. Best primer in my book as not even black or maroon paint color leaks thru into lighter colors. Nephew and niece College colors. Grin
Well back to lawnmower repair. Up to Plan c.
Car ac blowing hot air so Mother is hmm, fussing to be PC. I still haven’t resolved the duplicate car key problem. Dealership says need locksmith to rebuild ignition cylinder so duplicate key works since sibling broke original key. Then spend another 400 dollars on another duplicate key. Yeah they saw me coming.
Titan “rescued” a nest of baby birds. Blew out of tree. Sigh. It’s a lab thing to rescue helpless babies.
Oh yeah and chocolate morsels I bought yesterday taste wrong/funky.
But that’s life. LOL. Smile. Could be stranded in middle of desert during summer with no water. ????
Regarding Ruby Fever, if you can’t write something in 15 minutes then go to next project and try again tomorrow. I would rather a good interesting, entertaining story that mediocre story.
Don’t let Gordon miss his Covid vaccination. I am strong arming my needle phobic sibling into getting
J&J shot. My argument is better some immunity that none.
KMD says
I too have a needle phobia, and the pfizer shot was literally the second easiest shot I’ve ever had in my life (I had a tetanus shot years ago that the nurse was so good I didn’t even realize she’d done it until she said she was done). I’ve had bee stings that felt worse. I do recommend staying seated a bit, as I almost passed out from the relief that it was over lol.
Kim says
I am thinking of fostering dogs. The pandemic has been having a weird regional effect on the demand for dogs. Some places have a surplus of dogs being turned in to shelters and others have a shortage of dogs for people wanting to adopt. Once things settle and more people return to work (outside their homes), there may be another shift as companion dogs become inconvenient. Hopefully not, but fostering is something I’ve wanted to do.
Terry Lynne Chronister says
I volunteer for Recycled Poms rescue in Dalkas and the pandemic adoption tide has turned. We had several returns last week after 4 to 6 months adopted. One said it was bcs she had to replace her carpets. Not a word about it prior when we could have helped with training. One is moving. I guarantee the Teague in your area need fosters desperately, and it’s the most rewarding job I’ve ever done.
DianaInCa says
We are going to the Montana side of Yellowstone and meeting up with at least two of my three siblings and their families. Really excited to see everyone in person. By July all the adults in the group should be fully vaccinated.
Joylyn says
My husband and I are both 1/2 with our shots. We had Covid in January and the 1st shot kicked my butt:) All good now but hoping the 2nd one is a breeze because my body totally knows what to do.
I am looking forward to a date night at a restaurant with my husband. We have 3 kids and have been with them almost 24/7 for over a year. I love them but miss one-on-one time with my man. I would also love to plan a night at a nice hotel/B&B/VRBO with a large walk in shower…..:)
Becky says
My shot experience was opposite. 🙂 First shot? Sore arm for two days. Second shot? Yes, I would like all the side effects (except a fever) please. Even swollen lymph node under the shot arm. Bleah…
Gaëlle from France says
Very happy for the novella project !! The glimpses you gave us made my mouth water !!
Sorry that Ruby Fever causes you hardship ????
My plans for when we’ll be free of this horror ? some restaurants with my friends, a trip to the Côte d’Azur to see my 90 years old grandmother, and to dream a little, rent a van and take the road to travel all over the scandinavia….
PY Lor says
Travel for food. Honestly, when everything closed I missed the hell out of restaurants and being able to eat good food.
Deva says
We’re fully vaccinated and so far the only thing we’ve done is go to the movies. We’re still taking it slow and will be for a while I think.
Big Mike says
What on earth did you find at the movie theaters that’s worth the cost of tickets?
Melisa M. says
I respect that you need a break from certain work sometimes and I want you to be proud of Ruby Fever. I absolutely adore Catalina and Alessandro and will be grateful to read about them whenever you decide it is ready! I would never want you to rush them as they have become one of my absolute favorite couples!
As for travel I’m having my 2nd daughter soon so no big traveling for a while. But next weekend we are going on a road trip with my parents from California to Yellowstone! Hope it goes well! Haha
April says
We are swing PEOPLE! All the people, I miss my family and friends and can’t wait to see them. Driving distance for now because the kids aren’t old enough to be vaccinated and we don’t want them on planes yet but we are seeing all the vaccinated friends and family we can.
jewelwing says
LUNCH. With friends. Outdoors if the weather permits, but most of us will be fully vaccinated within the next couple of weeks, and the CDC now says we can go maskless for those purposes when the entire party is fully vaccinated. SO EXCITED!!! We generally take a walk/hike first, weather permitting. We’ve been doing those all along though. LUNCH!!! I’m here for it.
Looking forward to reading whatever you write. Surely Catalina haters can avert their eyes and read something improving. An etiquette book would be favorite.
Erika says
This, I agree with!
Stef says
Even the baseboards? That’s weird. Usually people leave those white or in some other contrasting colour to provide some definition in the room. Not monochrome. That has to be a bit of a mind trip.
Ericka says
my friend flips houses, and she bought one at auction that was gorgeous on the outside, but some genius thought it was a good idea to use a spray gun on the inside. ALL of the inside was this weird yellowish greenish color that we assume came from mixing several clearance colors. they did the walls, baseboards, floors, ceilings, kitchen cabinets, THE CARPET, everything. it was the trippiest thing, and took AGES to fix.
SJ says
???? that sounds horrifying!! Or for the people who first decorated it so, the most unique and amazing(?)
Patricia Kading says
Don’t worry about Ruby Fever. I’m pretty sure that we’ll all love it. Have faith in your talent. You wouldn’t have the following you do if you sucked. ????????
Scott Drummond says
My wife and I are going to Anchorage, Alaska to visit family there!
David says
In February 2022 we are hoping to go on our sea cruise that was originally schedules for April/May 2020.
Kelticat says
Got my first shot Tuesday, second shot will be mid-May.
I would like to go somewhere between San Luis O and Santa Barbara late summer/ early fall. Or north to the Mendocino coast. I don’t want to leave the state just yet since there are covidiots who get offended by safety precautions. Maybe visit my aunt this winter, she lives in the Mojave desert so no visits in summer if I can help it.
Cindy N. says
Enjoying the country of Cyprus with out the tourism. They just announced they will open back up 10May. We REALLY need the tourists back….but it’s so nice and quiet!
Karin says
I feel the same way about the city of Amsterdam. It’s way nicer without the tourists, but it’s not good for the economy.
Really, it makes me feel a bit mercenary to realise that I only like tourists for the money they bring in. LOL!!!
Ronda says
I live on Maui …. same mixed feelings about tourists.
Lauren says
I’m so sad that ruby fever is making you sad =(
Jess says
Great news! I just want to be able to take my kids back out into the world without worrying my 10 month old twins will get covid, and my 5 yo and 7 yo to experience a normal school year with field trips and seeing their friends faces. Maybe eventually we will take a vacation lol.
Kristi says
I don’t know what I’m going to do. I’ve been working pretty steadily as a volunteer vaccinator, but the large scale clinics are ending—for the first time, we have more vaccine than arms to put it in. I’m actually going to miss it. I’ve made some wonderful new friends, and there has been an amazing sense of camaraderie at the clinics. It’s also going to be hard to go back to my regular day job after a year of “remote” status.
Beyond that, I need a trip! I keep looking at flights to Europe. I was supposed to have a stay in Portugal in March 2020, just as the world fell apart—maybe I’ll book that again.
jewelwing says
Thank you for volunteering. Vax clinic staff rock. I got mine at a mass vax site, and it was a well-oiled machine. Every single person I encountered was helpful.
JMH says
A Spa trip somewhere! With booze, good food, and pampering!
catlover says
I really liked the snippets of Ruby Fever you let us have. They are such an interesting family with even more interesting friends. You could always slip in a paragraph or two about the new baby and his talents. Just think how interesting babysitting him would be for the inexperienced family members. The first child is always a steep learning curve and would bring up a few “been there, done that” memories for readers.
Oh well, find the best way to wash and refresh your attitude and go for it!
Shauna says
I live in the middle of Canada (Manitoba). Last saw parents Christmas 2019.
So, first thing, once everyone has 2 shots, and we can travel within our country again? I am going to head to Nova Scotia and HUG the stuffing out of my mother.
Natasha says
We are going out to eat for the first time in I can’t remember for Mother’s Day to celebrate “We are all Immune and got shots”. Probably still going to eat outside and wear masks but yes, for sure happy to do at least that much.
Lee Prager Groman says
Travel to FL from NY, fully vaccinated x a month. Also to ABQ . All to see family we haven’t seen . Hoping for a real vacation in December…. St Lucia or Cancun
Dayanara López says
I can’t wait to know more about the secret project! I already know I’m going to love it tho.
I’m so happy you guys are already getting your second shot ❤️
In my country they’re vaccinating by group of age and they’re sooo slow. They’re just starting with the people between 50-59. I’m 24, so maybe I’ll get vaccinated next year. My state has better organization than others, so I’m hoping it may get done faster.
On the meantime I’m saving for my first car and hopefully next year I’mma be able to travel around.
Lin says
We have a cruise booked next year – Iceland and Ireland – it’s my 60th and the plan was to be somewhere warm, whale watching. See how our plans are confounded… Still, whales are to be seen from Iceland! This year we are waiting to see how things are, having done everything we can to refurbish the house, like most of the UK!
Amy says
I get my second shot tomorrow and as soon as enough time passes I’m driving home to Pennsylvania to see my mom. I haven’t seen her in over a year and I cannot wait to hug her. We have plans to go to the beach in late summer, but right now PA sounds lovely.
We’ll be patient for HL. I personally adore Catalina and cannot wait to read the next book. I’m sorry it’s been giving you problems and hope that you are able to overcome the struggles with it.
Mary Beth says
+1
Diane Wilson says
When this is all over, I want real piano lessons, in person. My teacher and I do well enough over the interwebs, but there’s technical stuff I want to learn where being able to see hands on the keyboard makes a big difference.
My mother had a lot of our house painted pink. Must have been a thing back then (60s). This is the only documented evidence. House pet provides a good white for reference.
jewelwing says
<3
Becky says
One of the quirks of feedback is that people who don’t like something are quick to let you know. Any time you get negative feedback – quickly post it here on your blog. I guarantee you will get tons of positive feedback that will overpower the negative.
Jean says
You had a “black and white squirrel” as a house pet?!? Yikes!! Did you feed it cat food or dog food?
Diane Wilson says
Yes, spray glands removed. Her name was Mam’selle Hepzibah (after the skunk femme fatale in Pogo), and ate dog food. They’re related to weasels, but not as entertaining as ferrets.
Mary says
♥️♥️♥️
Pam says
I want to see my friends and be able to hug them again
Mary Beth says
Travel is too hard on my bones these days. I’ll be happy with a museum or zoo visit.
nickole195 says
I miss going to the movies, the burnt smell of overpriced popcorn, sneaking in glossett raisins in the purse, lumpy well used chairs, hoping that tall person does not sit in front of you, someone opening their phone and the bright light illuminating the whole theatre, the horrific and long car commercials, the anticipated new releases, wishing your brought a sweater b/c the a/c is cranked up, that annoying person who talks just a bit too loud, the kid banging your chair (yup I will take that back in a heartbeat), hoping your bladder will last just 10 more minutes, wishing you had dental floss and of course hanging with good friends to watch a movie…..
Norbert says
This is a regular service announcement: we, the BdH, love your books even if you do not like them yourself. Relax, we will buy and read whatever you produce.
—-
I would like to have plans, but here in Germany we are still behind you on vaccination. As I have a slight priority because of chronic conditions, I hope to get vaccinated by the end of May. My only goal is to be able to visit my dad again. who lives 500km away and turns 95 in July.
Karen Rexford says
Road trip with my husband who has been ill. I have him completely hooked on IA audio books. We love driving long hours and listening to our favorite series. He didn’t even complain when I bought all the IA series on audible.
A says
I swear I am just wanting a beach holiday. Any beach as long as it is hot. Alberta has so far had the most miserable spring & I need a break.
I would also like my hot yoga studio back, I really miss my Yoga community and my studio ended up closed during the pandemic.
Being that I have family members (aunts, uncles etc) in far off countries, I know that the above two things are super first world problems but boy am I really just exhausted.
Amy McDonald says
I don’t know what I’m going to do. I’ve become a major home body with everything going on lately. I really don’t get out much, and don’t really want too. I understand you sometimes need to take a break, if the writing isn’t coming easy to you. You have to be in the frame of mind for certain characters. I love everything you guys write!! So I have no bad feelings for any characters you create. I hope everything works out in the end for you. I appreciate all the work and love you put out for us fans!! You both are so AMAZING!!!
Meganann says
I hope you get the breakthrough you need to vibe with Ruby!
I am excited to see my step-dad, who has been alone since my mom died three years ago and really alone for over a year. He got diagnosed with heart failure and end stage renal disease, alone. Spent every holiday and two birthdays alone. I’m finally fully vaccinated and can visit him in a couple of weeks. He can meet my pandemic dog, Ruthie the neurotic chiweenie, who loves children more than air.
Bonus points, I’ll also be able to see my ER Nurse brother who has had the rough year all our front line medical workers have had.
Once we can sort out what is safe for kids, we will probably do a belated 50th wedding anniversary trip with my in-laws, sister-in-law and neices to Santa Fe, Sedona or somewhere else in the southwest that starts with an S.
Honestly, I’m mostly just grateful not to spend every night praying my kids don’t lose me or their other parent to the pandemic. The vaccine has me breathing easier on that score.
Sara B. says
Ruby Fever – yay! I am sorry that it is a difficult labor for you guys. You could throw it all out (except for the visit to the new family compound – I just love that scene). And if everything does not get resolved, there is always the option to do Arabella novels (or stories) to answer unresolved questions along with new challenges. I still can’t guess who Ceasar and the grandfather are … I have bent the family trees this way and that and can’t make any of my ideas work. I’m sure the hints are there (ignoring the red herrings). SO curious on how it goes.
Also excited to see what happens next in any of your other worlds … The Inn, Blood Heir, Hugh series (did the boy ever put down that cow?), side projects, etc.
As to my plans — it’s a little scary contemplating getting out there with people again. I would love to go to a restaurant and sit down and have people bring me food. I would like to go to a movie. I am starting to plan some short trip travel, just for change of scene. Want to take the new kittens (well, cats now) with me; they started life feral, and I don’t want to lose any of the socialization we’ve built. Have to check out each potential “pet friendly” hotel … “pet friendly” sometimes just means “dog friendly”. Looking forward getting together with the people with whom I have been taking zoom classes (Baroque and Renaissance dance) … I’m tired of dancing with the coat-rack.
I have been wanting to ask — is one of the components of “Ilona Andrews” from the south? — Not Texas-south, but eastern seaboard to deep south? I see words like “mashed” (as in “…mashed the elevator button…”) and hear my grandmother’s voice. So cool.
Moderator R says
House Andrews have lived several years in Georgia (see here https://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/sci-fi-fantasy/a-long-crazy-trip-chatting-with-ilona-andrews/) and Ilona has shared that she became conversant in English in North Georgia.
That aside, I say “mash buttons” too and I speak British English, I had no idea it was a southern US regionalism.
I hope this helps 🙂
Sara B. says
Thanks for letting us know more of the background on our favorite authors — I really enjoy the richness of the language they use.
Ericka says
you didn’t ask, but my family discovered the best thing ever for transporting cats. it’s called cat in a bag and basically, the cat’s in a bag, with its head sticking out. there are zippers so you can get to the feets to trim claws too.
my aunt’s worked so well on a feral that she was rescuing that the vet borrowed it for the rest of the cat’s journey. check it out; it might make your cat car trip easier.
Sara B. says
Thanks for the suggestion. I need to buy a second smaller-sized Y-harness as well. Nail trimming is going pretty well … I’ve been able to trim front claws on smaller, more docile girl a couple of times, and have been able to get 9 out of 10 done on her sister. Big sister is not really shy (she comes up and asks for attention, petting, brushing, play) … it’s like she has more “street smarts”, and took the “stranger-danger” warnings to heart.
Their world already got turned around when we returned to working in the office half-time at the beginning of the month. Upset their meal schedule as well as play schedule.
Siobhan says
I lived in Washington DC and Boston until I was 35. And it was in Boston, in the context of video games, from a local, that I first heard the phrase “mashing buttons.” As in “he’d be better at Street Fighter if he wasn’t such a button masher.”
So I don’t think it’s Southern regional anymore. As of 30 years ago.
Brooke T says
The beach. Omg, I can’t wait to go to the beach. It’s been over 2.5 years since I was last even able to go (Covid last year and bacteria blooms the year before closed the beaches here). I had bought me a cute new bathing suit that has been sitting, unused, in my dresser, taunting me with its existence.
I *will* be going this year.
Jenn says
My daughter plays polo, (horse, not water). So we hope to go to Wellington, Florida so she can see some really awesome pro games and maybe play. We had a trip to Hawaii get canceled so there is also the hope for a do over, once I can get my head together re plane flight.
In the smaller, more immediate future, I would love a real date night out with my husband… I want to wear nice clothes, eat delicious food and not have to do the dishes. ????????????
Good thoughts for all your projects! I found watching “ Way of the House Husband” on Netflix to be wonderfully ridiculous and helpful to my state of mind.
Sage6 says
I got my second shot last weekend. No major side effects just a bit achy and tired. Probably go to the movies once there is a film I want to see maybe, bring my cousin along. I have no huge travel plans until next year but, would like to do something for my birthday in June. I love my mother but, I desperately need some alone time. Maybe I’ll spend a long weekend in San Francisco and be touristy and eat in a restaurant. No major house projects except buy new coffee table add some new art to the walls of my bedroom. I hope Ruby Fever stops making you feel like it’s miserable homework. I enjoy the adventures of House Baylor including Catalina. I am looking forward to Arabella’s romantic adventures though. I picture lots of mayhem and destruction.
CathyTara says
Pink, my next door neighbor painted her entrance hallway, kitchen and upstairs bedroom pink! The family who owned it before her, painted the kitchen purple and the upstairs bedroom tangerine. I of course told them both how great it looked. #not. But I guess everyone makes a choice. Getting the vaccine is like magic, suddenly you feel free, protected and possibly almost like your normal self. I wish I could bottle the feeling and take a hit when things are tough. Thanks for always make me think and smile.
Allison says
I am going OUT when this is under control.
Sonia says
Travel would be nice. However, we live in SoCalif, so I’m super excited to visit the places we have memberships. We have our first reservation for Knotts Berry Farm, looking forward to Autry Museum and Huntington Library events. And best of all being with my grandkids!!!
BrendaJ says
I can’t wait to go to the Huntington to moon over Gainsborough’s Blue Boy and have tea. ????
Nancy says
I want to visit relatives in Ohio. I promised my one younger cousin she could come spend a week with us in Maryland – that was two years ago. I haven’t been able to get back to get her. First mom was sick and then Covid. The cousin I primarily go to see, who is 11 days older than me, had a stroke last summer and recovered pretty much. Then 2 weeks ago he either has a brain seizure or a hideously bad migraine that put him in the hospital for 2 days. Fortunately, he seems good now. That is top of my list for post-Covid. Day-to-day life won’t change horribly. I’m retired and will still spend most days helping my Mom, who is 93. I look forward to just being with friends again and eating in restaurants instead of getting carry out. One friend and I have had picnics in the car in our favorite restaurant’s parking lot with carry out. Windows open, masks on except for when we eat, and one person in the front seat and one in the back. It has worked, but I’m looking forward to catching up with her face-to-face across a table filled with wonderful Italian food. One of these days…
And
Vanessa says
I want to travel internationally. I dearly want to get out of my very small country. Am already fully vaccinated with Pfizer, but nowhere’s else is open yet.
My grandmother and mom’s also vaccinated. But the vaccines don’t seem all that effective against the new strains.
There are cases in Singapore now of fully vaccinated individuals who still contracted covid. So there’s knowing the vaccine’s only 95% effective, and then constantly hearing about the 5% who caught it despite all precautions. Mask wearing is still mandatory for everyone here
I’ve a bad feeling a post-covid reality is not going to be all that different as we hoped for, not with the way new strains keep popping up
Susie Q. says
As much as I want it,don’t push finishing Ruby Fever at the cost of your well being or gasp producing something you can’t be proud of. The BDH can wait. It may kill us,, but we can do it. I love Catalina and am beginning to appreciate Allesandro as you reveal the the whys behind his behavior. Like the real world, I don’t need to like every one to enjoy a book. That is where nuances and new information comes into play. In real life, you run into people you like immediately who turn out to be jerks and people you don’t click with who turn out to be great once you get to know them. One dimensional characters are a sign of bad writing.
I had second shot. In about 2 weeks if weather cooperates, I plan to get my first professional haircut in over a year. I’ve been cutting a modified short bob instead of a layered pixie. Surprisingly, it doesn’t look that bad. Then, I want to go out and eat at my favorite Mexican restaurant outside enjoying sunshine and people watching. Maybe a massage. I might take a road trip to San Antonio or Gruene TX. I live in Ft. Worth, TX.
Second shot at my local Walmart- Yay – kicked my posterior. Chills, exhaustion and muscle ache. Day 3 and I’m going to try to do a normal day. Less than 8 miles round trip instead of 74 miles round trip. Also a big plus, was able to pick up a box of wine plus some treats.
I’m becoming a Walmart fan. Over 60 with asthma and COPD so I started doing free curbside pickup to stay out of store. Substitutions are for same item better brand, i.e., Kraft cheese instead of generic or same item, bigger size, 32 cans of cat food subbed for 12, all at original price. Goodie bags at Thanksgiving and Christmas. And now vaccines. Go to Walmart.com to sign up.
Lisa B. (OH) says
I plan on visiting my sister and her family. I haven’t seen her in almost 2 years! We text all the time, but it’s not the same. We have both been vaccinated and are now fully immunized. Just waiting for the weather to clear up before I hop in the car for a visit.
I plan on giving her a looooong hug as soon as I get out of my car.
Dr Jules says
This is my post lock down project. His stable name is Mesh and he was a successful racehorse, who has come to us for his forever home to do dressage. We have a long way to go in terms of muscle building and teaching him how to use himself, but to misquote Rogan, he only lack education and experience, both of which we can give him along with as much love as he will allow. Not a great picture as it was spitting hail and windy
Debra Henn says
I’m so excited for the novella! And still keeping my fingers crossed for Ruby Fever sooner rather than later???? I love and adore the Baylor’s. I’m also excited because for the first time in 6 months I get to see all my kids and 5 grandsons. I got both my vaccines so I’m good to go! Good luck with your second one, mine both went fine.
Jessica C. says
We plan to have numerous get togethers with friends, travel somewhere for our 15th year anniversary, and just try to adjust to a pandemic changed world. My friends and I are discussing how we’re almost all socially awkward now, even those of us that were considered social butterflies.
Irishmadchen says
First off – you write, I read. I will patiently wait until you release it for consumption (unlike the racoons and the watermelon).
Weather here in Texas has been crazy – last night was wild as a huge purple blob went over us on the radar and we saw circulation as it rushed over us.
As to my sanity, it’s been my garden. Being Texas, it is all container and raised beds. We got our first strawberries this week!
Harriet says
We’re planning to go to Iceland in the fall, cause they let vaccinated people go without quarantine and I need to be outside. Also, it’s only 6hrs away by flight, the same time it takes to fly to SoCal.
Gaitshi says
I am in South Africa, my children moved to Ireland. I hope to visit them once we get the vaccination.
Mary says
Ooh, shiny new words are on the horizon! Cue gif.
(Also, I hope the tides will turn for you with Ruby Fever)
Megha says
If the situation in India Ever gets better, we’d like to go see family. My baby sister has never met my daughter. I missed her wedding. Covid sucks.
Also, we need some beach time, or mountain time, or museum time. A holiday. We need a holiday!
Kristie says
My (Canadian) husband hasn’t seen his mom in over a year. Hopefully they will reopen the border soon so we can visit her.
Our house was salmon pink and lavender when we moved in. Two words: Yay primer!
Hazel says
I have dog shows booked to judge in June and July; two lovely appointments. I had my second jab last week. The UK vaccination programme has gone apace but now we are looking in horror at what is happening in India.
Anna says
Poor floofy kitty.
Houses in Texas are crazy, just saying.
I’m looking forward to going out to eat at a restaurant. We do the takeout /curbside thing but I miss the opportunity to go out and have a nice dinner. Though that will have to wait a bit either way (we have a new baby.
Heidi says
I’m going to a movie, in a theater, next week! We’re doing pretty decent here, numbers-wise, and my friend and I both have our second doses + the waiting periods out of the way. I also bought concert tickets for Thanksgiving weekend. We’re not traveling yet because my Kid 2 needs to wait another 5 months to be old enough to vaccinate. We’ll plan something for Kid 1’s HS graduation.
Cora says
Planning to go to Croatia in late September. Trip canceled last year. Hope it isn’t canceled this year
Darleen says
I plan to continue to live in quarantine as I have the past 7+ years due to immunodeficiency. I have a ‘light’ case of “boy-in-the-bubble” disease. It has been nice that the world has invented so many ways to interact while staying sterile, and now everyone understands that staying in isolation is not a vacation, so I get less scathing comments when people discover my dossability.
Darleen says
*disability*
Kechara says
I just want to see my kids. Their city is a red zone or whatever and I haven’t seen them in person in over a year I think. We did have a WebEx call at Christmas. They haven’t been able to get their first shots yet. I got mine last week.
My other kid is far far away so we have just messaged for a really long time. Years.
On the other hand, my newest kitten is truly entertaining so there’s that.
Nancy says
Going to the Oregon Coast in 27 hours for a week. I can’t wait.
Ky says
I got my second shot two days ago. And I get my bachelor’s degree in August. (pending good grades).
So I’m planning a solo trip to Costa Rica. Just me, on a beach, reading books, and relaxing.
Erin says
First, seeing extended family members that couldn’t be in my pod for health reasons. I will be the last adult in the family to be vaccinated and it will be good to see them again. Then, traveling literally anywhere and going to concerts again. Oh, and going to the movies!
Claudia says
1 trip planned to Minnesota and 1 trip this summer to Wyoming.
Daphne Simpson says
I was so excited about getting to travel this summer and then I read this awful article about there being a gas shortage due to trucking. I’m like what the what??? Don’t do this to me!
Barbara Erwin says
I’m sorry you are at the “I hate this book stage” with Ruby Fever. Seems to me that many writers go through a stage like that when writing a book. Is that the norm for you or this book in particular?
Our weather was beautiful until today. It is gray and cooler with a forecast of snow showers tonight. Good thing I hadn’t put away all the winter gear yet! I’m glad your getting your 2nd vaccine!
We are busy sorting and packing for our summer move to Germany. It will be interesting, considering that they are still locked down!
Tyler says
We’re fully vaccinated so we went on a contact-free vacation this week to Florida. I’m so happy to be out of my house!
Meredith Tournay says
I’ve had both shots and I’m all clear! Just in time for a huge foot surgery and eight weeks of recovery. Might be time for a Kate reread.
Beth S says
When the world calms down we’ll finally be able to bring our son, the first grandchild, to meet his grandparents in Canada.
Sarah says
I have smaller plans: go into town! Go to my favorite restaurants and bar! (They’ve all been closed since last fall; yesterday terraces could open again to very small groups in limited hours.) Edge back out into the world slowly.
Bigger plans: good friends live in London and Zurich, and I haven’t seen either in a couple of years now. They get long weekends. Those are my travel trial runs.
Biggest plan: to finally be able to go see my parents and siblings in the US. It’s been two years. Last year’s regular trip was planned for May, as usual. Then moved to October. Ha! This year’s May trip is a no. I’m really really hoping for the second half of October.
Lori says
RN here so I’ve been vaccinated fully since January. The hubby has just been able to get his 2nd. Now that the weather is breaking here in NY/ border of PA we are starting to leave home on the weekends. Finding hiking, biking areas to spend a day. Not even thinking of getting on a plane yet. There’s enough to do here within a day’s drive that we can keep busy.
Can’t wait to read your novella, or Ruby Fever, or shopping list….I’ll take whatever you all would like to share.
Bridget D. says
Dropping by to say thank you for the novella!!!!!!
(zero information, you say? no matter, still 10000000% excited)
Audrey says
My summer plans are basically all the swimming with my two toddler boys!! There’s a small reservoir about 45 minutes away from me that I plan on going to at least twice a week, plus splash pads and water parks (not to mention the swimming pool). Got to soak up all the sun in the three months of good weather we get in Utah ???? Maybe a much-needed girls trip with my mom-friends ❤️
Brittney says
We had to cancel a trip to Ireland last year because of the pandemic. I don’t think it is going to happen this year either even though it looks like Europe is opening up to vaccinated Americans. My husband has said that he will not go if he has to wear a mask all the time. He wants a vacation to be fun and masks ruin it for him. Party pooper. I keep telling him that this is the time to go before all the crowds. So we are sticking with trips that are closer to home and more outdoorsy so we can minimize masks. We are taking the dogs out to the Oregon coast in less than 2 weeks and I am so excited! On the home front I have a lot of yard work and crochet to keep me busy
Kamrin says
Yay! So excited for anything you guys are writing. When things finally settle down hubby and I want to get back to traveling. We love to take our kids and explore new places and make memories. Thankfully my parents live in the beautiful mountains so we’ve been able to take our trailer up there and take the kids ‘glamping’. They basically run around and visit with grandparents and then we sleep in the trailer. They find it exciting so who am I to tell them differently? Lol
Jana Oliver says
Once we’re fully vaccinated it’s our intention to take some road trips around Portugal, a chance to visit the smaller towns and wander into the countryside. We’d intended on doing that last year, but… It’ll be great to get OUT OF THE APARTMENT and it’ll be a realtime Portuguese lesson, for sure.
But first I have 5 books to typeset (print & e-book) for re-launch. It’s taking freakin’ forever.
Jocelyn Malone says
Or maybe the prior owners were just REALLY into pastel pink. My childhood home had been lived in by an elderly couple before we got it. She really loved pink and doilies and decorative dolls, and her husband liked to paint, so he did literally the whole house except the kitchen in pink with white spongework on it. Whole. House. After a while, the pink becomes as neutral as white to your eyes when you live with it ;-). (You should’ve seen it when we toured and all their stuff was still in there–pink and white walls, doilies, and dolls EVERYWHERE. So much lace. And I LIKE lace and it was a lot!)
Celeste says
We haven’t seen our son & his partner since November 2019. They only live about 6 hours away.
So excited to able to see them – June can NOT get her fast enough! <3
Ericka says
i got my second shot on 4/16, my parents and my aunt and uncle, and my cousins have all had their second shots, and my brother just had his first. so I’M GOING HOME to see everyone for the first time in months and months and months for mother’s day. my daughter misses my dad SO MUCH. so, that’s got me super excited.
i’m sorry ruby fever is giving you fits. i love the world that you’ve created there. i know being head of house changes people, but i was taken aback that the sensitive girl who rescued a dog while being hunted changed into someone who could happily become engaged with a dead person on her counter, while shrugging off how much her fiancé wasn’t telling her. you made me like hugh, so i absolutely believe you can pull it out of the fire, if it can be saved. if not, that sucks, but i’ll probably love whatever you create next.
Maia Martinez says
I will be happy if I can make a trip 200 km away from home let’s hope the kids let me do it.
But in the meantime I’m very happy in my house where Winter is coming and I can make a cocoon of blankets with a hot chocolate and a book.
Greetings from Argentina and all my love and thanks for your work.
Jen Compton says
Thank you for finishing Ruby Fever. I love that series and need closure. But it’s not more important than your mental health. I am hoping the relief and empowerment you get from the shot eases your mind and brings back your joy.
Kim says
The end of 2022 or early 2023 I’m hoping to be going to Disney for the second time ever (and to Universal Studios for the first time!) and celebrating my husband and my 40th birthdays! We took our 2 boys and went for a “once in a lifetime” trip in 2019 because my husband was adamantly against going. I talked him into it and made sure it included everything I wanted to do/see, since there was no second trip happening. Once we got there, though, he loved it!
It was his idea to go for our 40th birthday’s (we were born 16 days apart) and I of course said heck yeah! 🙂 But I would like to go without masks, and with all the dining/fireworks/parades/etc back again. So… fingers crossed! My second poke is next week, so I’m doing my part to help things open back up again.
I’m hoping we can go to Niagra Falls on Canada’s side sometime in the future, too. We’ve never been (even though it’s only a few hours drive) and it’s something I’d like to take my boys to see, but with the border still closed, it will have to wait.
Cathy says
I had both my shots, had reactions to both and also need a vacation.
I can’t go on vacation as Cat3 of 4 needs nine eyedrops throughout the day to save the remaining eye from glaucoma. When I suggested that my Sister3 who usually takes care of the four cats could do it for three weeks she said you have go to be kidding. I assured her I wasn’t and she said no.
So I have planned a Disneyland vacaday with all the trimmings. It is only 20 minutes from home. Hopefully it is still the happiest place on earth.
Thank you for writing even when you don’t want to do it.
Melissa CHAPMAN says
Yay for a Novella! But sad that Ruby Fever is not going the way you want. Everyone has been on a bit of a funk lately, and maybe getting out of town would be helpful? We’re fully vaccinated, and are taking a small vacation soon. I’m so thrilled. I need to go see something different.
And a pink house? *Shudder*
When this mess is all over, I’m going on a cruise!! I don’t even care where at this point, but we’re taking the kiddos first change we get.
Patti says
Can’t wait for Ruby Fever, or anything else you write. When we get our second shots in August, I will visit my sisters and also will get back to my book club meeting in person. Can’t do much more until my three kids are vaccinated. That might take till 2022.
Simone says
Looks like a trip to Italy this summer might be happening. My mother’s husband’s family (yes, I know… ^^;;) has a house there, but in winter of 2019, the neighbor’s part of it fell into the sea (it’s built up against the cliff and right over the water) and took part of ‘our’ house with it.
Because of Corona, they couldn’t have it rebuilt until now. But it seems that they will be done by summer and that means that we can go down again for vacation.
I’d really like that, not only because it’s a beautiful spot, but because it will probably be the last time that we can go, since my folks are getting on in years and it’s a 1100 km drive down, which they really shouldn’t be doing anymore (in my opinion). So this would give me the opportunity to say farewell.
Jennee says
I bought a house where the former owner was a Mary Kay lady pink everywhere some of the rooms where pink. My laundry room is still pink 10 years later bc I’m too lazy to paint it the insides of all the drawers and cabinets are pink She was a lovely lady like family to me but man the pink lol ????
Tereza Skýpalová says
We will be very happy with whatever books you give us whenever you are ready for it. Just wanted to tell you how much your writing mean to me. I keep rereading your books in tough times and they always make me smile. I wanted to go on vacation somewhere more warmer with water this year, but don’t know if it will be realistic yet, our country is still in a pretty bad state. Maybe at least something smaller. 🙂
Karen says
My son accidentally painted all of our base boards white (the color they were supposed to be) with very light grey that didn’t get rinsed properly out of the sprayer ????. Unfortunately, he doesn’t see color well and didn’t believe us that there was something wrong until someone else mentioned it. So I have silver grey walls and light grey baseboards ????????♀️.
After I feel safe to travel I want to visit friends and family in Florida, Tennessee, and Colorado. I miss being with people in person. I have a new niece arriving this summer and I’m anxious to be there to meet her.
Danielle Tobin says
We are moving from Illinois to Colorado. I am so happy about the move but nervous about the purchase of our new home. Everything is set except the appraisal. We are supposed to hear back on it any day now. If it doesn’t appraise we will pay the difference in cash. That was the only way to get get a house in the area we want to live. It’s a great house, newer than anything we have ever owned. It is bigger with a better layout. The schools are rated so much higher than the schools our kids attend now. It’s close to family, and it’s in a much safer area than where we live now. This is our first cross-country move. It’s as exciting as it is daunting. I have been re-reading your books during this process as an excape. I just finished re-reading all the Innkeeper books. They were just as fun to read the second time as they were the first.
Martha V Parsons says
Welcome to Colorado!
Elisabeth says
I will get my first vaccine tomorrow. I share your excitement about syringes. Germany is quite slow with vaccination and I am “lucky” to have asthma so I’m early then people my age range.
I’m really looking forward to a brunch with my 2 sisters and 1 brother. We haven’t seen each other for over 1 year. I reduced my contact over the year to very few people and I’m looking forward to meet people, sit in a café in the sun and enjoy life.
Donna A says
I just got the text to book my second jab today. So after Tuesday I will be fully vaccinated ???? and can travel. . . nowhere! UK doing okay at present but foreign travel not allowed, nor indoor mixing.
I will love to read whatever, whenever. Anything. Not fussy. Would love Ruby Fever but am fine waiting for it too. Would also love Arabella after Catalina. Everything you’ve written has been a hit for me so I’m clearly going to like whatever comes ????
Kathleen says
I refused to not celebrate out 10year wedding anniversary (20 years together). We didnt do anything last year with covid and working 65 hr weeks in manufacturing. We took 2 weeks off this year and are going on a road trip. Michigan to Louisiana..and anywhere else we want.
Mary Barton says
We are working on a garden replacing a dirt area
Marnie says
I look forward to spending time with my grandsons.
maddbookish says
The sad thing is, I’m kind of a homebody i with hermit tendencies, so I’m not that bothered by not going places.
It will be nice to see my family again. My mom usually comes to the US twice a year to visit, so I haven’t seen her in at over a year and half now. My family tended to congregate at my grandmother’s house on Sundays and I’ve definitely missed being able to drop in and catch up with everyone.
Who knows, maybe we’ll plan a vacation to somewhere warm when winter weather makes a comeback.
Lee says
Painting horrors: house I grew up in. When my parents bought it the downstairs was painted forest green, including the ceilings. The upstairs was battleship gray, ceilings ditto. The small breakfast room had cabbage rose wallpaper hung upside down. The kitchen had a shoulder height dado board. Everything above it was Chinese yellow, below it Chinese red. The dado board was black. It took 3 coats of industrial sealer before the red stopped bleeding through.
I love everything you have written! There may be a character I have liked less than others (not Catalina who is great!) but they were supposed to be unlikable. All of your ‘people’ are so well developed you can’t help but be drawn into the story.
As to post vaccination, I have had lunch with some friends. All of us are vaccinated. It was great. I want a haircut and would like to get out of town. Anywhere!
Tuna looked so comfortable in her blanket nest in the previous post.
Best wishes to you all.
LisaT says
I received my second shot last week. I’m trying to book a trip to an all inclusive resort in Jamaica.
Laura says
We were supposed to take our boys on a Baltic cruise this summer but great chunks of Europe are still closed to international travel from the US, so we bumped it to next year. I’m ridiculously excited about it since I originally booked it in early fall of 2019 and as things stand we won’t be able to actually go until summer of 2022.
SMArterthomas says
Whole family is now vaccinated now that my son is 16 so we’re spending June in NH and Maine and hoping to reschedule last year’s senior trip to Spain for my now 19 year old. Fingers crossed!
Colleen C. says
Softball size hail here in Dallas last night. Yay, spring.???? I am flying to see family in 2 weeks. Sort of scared. Sort of excited and I have been vaccinated since December! Weird times.
Michal Glines says
We’re heading to San Juan Island, WA, for the summer. We will sit and look at the ocean and ponder.
(Mostly we’ll ponder if we can afford to build a house there, because we’ve fallen in love with the place… and AZ had God-only-knows how many days over 110° last summer, so there’s that too.)
We find ourselves becoming empty-nesters rather sooner than expected. Our 16 year old chose to graduate early from high school this year. Back in February, this did not seem like a huge deal. Somehow, now we are only three weeks from graduation, and there’s this bright light, roaring loudly, thundering down the tracks right at me!
Yesterday I cried because of sandwich bags. The box is almost empty, but I realized that I don’t need to hurry to go buy more, because no one will be taking a daily lunch to school from our house anymore. Ever. Ouch.
It’s the right choice for him, and I have no doubt he will thrive – he’s taking a gap year, interning in three materials engineering labs, first in WA, then internationally, before embarking on his college education, and he couldn’t be more eager to launch! I’m not sure if I’d have felt this off balance if last year hadn’t happened, or if he’d taken another year of HS, but unexpectedly, if “Mom” isn’t my daily driver… well, hmmm.
Necessity is the mother of re-invention as well, so I suppose a summer’s ponder will set me straight.
Currently on my umpteenth reread of KD, having recently finished HL, and saving Innkeeper for dessert. Always a great reminder of how to be kick-ass and never give up! I started reading KD to said kid when he was 8 (with judicious age appropriate skips and edits), and it was his favorite thing for ages. He loved the humor, the repartee, the adventure, Jim, the weapons! (He learned to forge at 13, and makes his own knives!), Jim, the awesome characters! He started reading them on his own later, and we still recite the “fully formed” badass description of Jim together whenever necessary!
Thank you! It’s kinda hard to express how much your books mean to me. I really appreciate them. Reading and sharing them, especially with my kid, has been absolutely wonderful. We’re both looking forward to Hugh and Julie’s further adventures!
Dang. First sandwich bags, now this. Definitely going to embarrass the Boy, leaking all over graduation like it’s a big deal or something!
Tylikcat says
Congrats on the first major launch of the kid! That sounds like some pretty awesome plans there!
Debi Majo says
I’ve been working with a builder in a funky subdivision trying to build my “forever” home and it’s absolutely taking FOREVER!
Tiffany says
I feel your pain on the work side. I have similarly hit a motivational rut working from home for over a year. Many half finished projects I am kicking myself over.
Finally fully vaccinated and I can’t wait to just go to brunch and hang at the mall with friends again! We have been deprived of the simple pleasures in life. Hang in there!
pete says
I’m so curious what you’ve written. From the snips, I really have no clue.
Sorry the Ruby story is troublesome. I hope you’re able to finish it up somehow. Or if not, I hope you’ll be able to sort things out with your publisher.
Catalina is great, but ever since the giant chalkboard scene, I’ve been a big fan of Arabella. I hope you’re still interested in the family. But if the Auntie story is the last, it was certainly a good one.
Good luck!
Laura says
I’m likely to end up going to Washington, DC, where my university is before the pandemic is properly controlled. And what I want to do is get snuggles. I want to curl up on the couch with a friend and watch a movie, that sort of thing.
Jean says
I agree with your cat – I would be screaming at apricot-sized hail stones, too!! Poor baby!!
Travel plans? Well, I’ve gotten my vaccines, so locally probably the movies. Once the various other medical things are dealt with, a trip to see my sister who lives near St. Louis. I love the St. Louis Zoo, and their art museum is phenomenal. Would also like to go to the Wisconsin Dells for a long weekend in the summertime. And back home to the west shore of Michigan (although I haven’t lived there since 1964, it’s still home). The beaches, sunset over the big lake, summer art fairs, and pick-your-own blueberries.
Kris says
I’ve had both my COVID vaccinations, things are opening up s-l-o-w-l-y, so a day trip or two to the Columbia Gorge to do photo-shoots are in the plans and maybe down to Portland (OR) to the Japanese Gardens. Moved house last summer; it’s a manufactured home so moved it, literally. Got new fixtures in one bathroom and got the house painted; now to get the energy to do a top-to-bottom cleaning And hey, Catalina and her world is wonderful, the haters can go pound sand. Eagerly awaiting any/and everything you and Gordon write.
Jessa says
I cannot wait to eat at a restaurant again! And right before the pandemic hit, I had made plans with friends to tour the new Guinness brewery in Baltimore, so that’s a huge thing to look forward to.
Heidi says
for me, the pandemic really didn’t make any difference to my life, I got up, went to work, did housework, walked the dogs.. rinse/repeat. only thing it limited was my ability to visit my father (he lives in a major city that kept being locked down) my kids didn’t talk to me any more/less, the dogs didn’t love me any more/less.. my life is quiet..
Lw says
Thank you
Bill W says
My wife and I are both fully vaccinated. We are seeing family we haven’t seen since Christmas 2019. We just had a few days away to celebrate our 40th anniversary.
Judy Schultheis says
I’m still waiting on whether Netroots Nation will be virtual and/or in person for this year. I only ever missed the first one, and I can certainly afford whatever it is. Virtual, I suppose – and in person again in 2022. But they haven’t announced yet, and April is nearly over.
Evelyn A says
Sending you lots of good vibes to cancel out the Negative Nellies! We will love your mystery “novella” as well as anything you offer up to our insatiable selves.
As for us in Arizona, we’ve been able to eat out at restaurants (masked on entry, but can unmask while eating) since all family and friends have had both shots. My mom and I are planning a trip to Australia around the end of October, and we’re hoping that our family reunion will happen in Colorado at the end of September! Of course, my vaccine-phobic brother will have to cave in and get the shots if he wants to come…
MelMc says
Not a travel plan but your completely pink rooms remind me of my childhood home. The previous owner worked for a local company who used a very distinctive paint color. Every room in the house was a shade of that color from baseboard to ceiling. He had obviously “found” a bucket of paint and replenished it by dumping white paint in. You could track his progress through the house from dark to light. So many bits of that house had obviously followed him home from work like a stray puppy.
Eileen says
Going to visit beach in NC with family (we are in CA, so it’s been a while!) Trying to keep motivated for the last month of teaching online, but it’s a struggle.
Bought this morning, emergency chocolate kit:
https://www.theculturedcup.com/collections/sweets-chocolates/products/chocolate-emergency-kit#sub-header
Victoria says
24 months after originally planned, we hopefully taking our kiddo to Disney World in January *fingers crossed*
Within the next month, one of my closest friends and I are going out for beer and food trucks without the kids or husbands, and I am SO EXCITED.
Kimberly Houle says
I have two brothers I want to see and plan to go to Florida with my son and his family. so doing a lot of driving in the near future.
Mia says
1 week until “full vaccination” for me! Got my second shot last week. I just lost a friend to covid, so it’s a bit bitter sweet, but I’m thankful to be vaccinated.
I hope you and your family stay healthy over this next month and get to breath a little sigh of relief at the end of May!
Looking forward to the new projects!
Diane says
We’re flying out to see our grandkids in July-all adults are vaccinated.. Then onto New Hampshire for a wedding. It is lovely to feel safer but I’m still wearing my mask.
kommiesmom says
I haven’t hugged my sister or my daughter since Christmas 2019. I will probably head for Baltimore when my son-in-law gets his second shot and has had time to “digest” it. My daughter already has hers since she is a professor at U of Maryland and is required to be vaccinated.
My sister gets put off because I can drive to Dallas in an afternoon. I have no idea where she is with fund raising for her job (Irving Symphony Orchestra). I know her vaccination is done since she told me it was.
The second house we moved into, in 1982, was yellow. Not enough to be obnoxious or we would not have bought it, but the carpet was gold in every room except the kitchen. It was brown w/ gold and green squiggles there. The walls and trim were white. There was patterned wall paper in the kitchen and the bathrooms – partially yellow in all of them. I pulled up the carpet in the kitchen and the dining room – bad idea for those rooms with small children. However, I never cared enough to to handle the monumental task of changing it all.
I look forward to spending some money on your work, hopefully before too long. I could give it to you now if you’d like…
Aman Sidhu says
I’m going travel with my boyfriend. We want to do three weeks in Europe. Spain, Italy and France. I miss the world.
ChelleyPam says
Going back to Amtguard. Yay for hitting people with padded sticks in the park!
Tylikcat says
…I should check to see if there’s a local group.
Patricia Schlorke says
Finally going to the Def Leppard, Poison, Motley Crue, Joan Jett concert in August. That’s providing it’s not postponed again. ????
Hopefully I will be able to see a friend of mine in the Atlanta area.
Sorry to hear that there are people who hate Catalina as a main character. Not me. I enjoy reading Catalina blossom as the Head of House Baylor.
North Fort Worth got tennis to baseball sized hail. We were under a tornado warning last night.
Emily says
Re: painting.
I used to hate painting walls. What I discovered is that I hate paint rollers. I painted my living room recently and I didn’t have a roller handy, so I started with a paintbrush. It was relaxing. I didn’t mind it. So I kept doing it, a section at a time, with a paintbrush. I will never use a roller again, you will pry my paintbrush from my cold dead fingers.
Painting ceilings still sucks though. I could have gotten away with not painting my ceiling, if I hadn’t decided to touch up a few places. Turns out the white paint I have that I thought should match? is not the same white paint used by whoever painted previously.
As of this Friday, I will be two weeks out from my second dose and my plansfor being fully vaccinated involve finally getting to see my Little Brother (Big Brothers Big Sisters; not my actual biological younger brother; I couldn’t avoid that one if I tried ;)! …luckily he grew up to be pretty cool so I guess I’ll keep him). His mom has been very cautious about keeping her family safe, which I support, but it has been difficult to keep in regular contact.
Grace says
I will visit my grandmother’s grave for the first time (she passed last month and we couldn’t say goodbye because of the pandemic restrictions). My boyfriend, who I have spent maybe 30 days with over the last year also because of the pandemic and vulnerable family members, will finally move in with ne. The pandemic has shattered me – once it is over, I can finally start putting myself back together
Johanna J says
First thing I’ll do it go out to lunch with friends again. Looking forward to that. Just not quite there yet.
Love the Catalina books but if you’re not up for it right now, we’ll enjoy whatever you decide to do. And, there’s a novella in our future…Hooray! 🙂
Claire says
Congrats on your second jab! Hope you both start to feel some of the pandemic-anxiety abate (I know it did for me at least) and good luck with whatever you’re working on! I’ll read anything you put out with real enjoyment and happily re read your other books in the mean time ????
And for me, I’m looking forward to hugs. That’s the thing I’ve missed most in the last year, I feel touch staved
Jessica says
My big and exciting post-pandemic plan is going to my cousins house for Board Game Day. They have a collection of several hundred games and get together a great group of folks and I have missed it!
I am thinking about joining the SCA. I realized during the pandemic that it didn’t change my life much outside of family and friends over for dinner – so I want to pick up a hobby that gets me out of the house!
LB says
I’m vaccinated and so is basically everyone here who wants to be at this point. State was one of the fastest in the roll-out.
Went to brunch with a friend Sunday. Divine. Booked a June trip to Charleston and Savannah (original trip got cancelled last March). Going to a bunch of horse shows this summer.
We have been pretty careful, but our state never shut down. My husband is a teacher and it was stressful (school was in person). He’s been so much happier since he got vaccinated. We were able to have a full-family Easter, which was great.
Can’t wait to ditch the mask.
Helen says
To see my mother in Florida. I haven’t left Pennsylvania to see her in 2 years. She’s 86.
Karen says
Oh please, pale pink ain’t nothin. ???? Our house had a lavender family room, a peach living room with mint green drapes and a powder room with no windows painted Harry Potter purple. ???? We moved in and I called myself The Neutralizer! spreading Antique White wherever I went. (Didn’t want to decide on paint colors in a hurry before moving in, thus the neutral) I’m planning on visiting state parks and camping when things settle down and hopefully, a trip to the beach to visit family.
Marianne says
To see Jonathan Antoine wherever he might be singing near me. But first, to a restaurant for breakfast. I’m fully vaccinated, but my county just went on highest risk lockdown because cases in the state are soaring.
Jazzlet says
I’m going to see my BFF, he has MS so he’s had to be particularly careful, but I want to hug him so much, even though I know I’ll think “he feels like he could blow away”.
Also I want to go out to eat and to pubs to just sit and natter about nothing and everything (sorry for all the “ands”).
I hope you find you are enthused about RF once you get back to it, but if not that you can get out of the contract.
MissB2U says
I haven’t seen my military child in 18 months. If he can’t get free to come home we are going to him. We are both fully vaccinated now and flying within the continental US seems manageable. Other than that no big plans. Maybe a trip to the Pacific Northwest to see family…
Inés Heinz says
My family (kids, husband, myself) is fully vaccinated now and we will be going to Hawaii to celebrate the 30th anniversary of when mike and I got married. We scored on some very inexpensive plane tickets.
Zoey is not impressed.
Jess says
I want to go snowboarding this winter. My dad is a ski instructor and can’t wait to teach my 4 year old to ski. Heaven help us when he does because she’s already a daredevil who is convinced she’s indestructible. Luckily she’s still at the age where her body is mainly composed of rubber and magic so she’ll probably be fine.
Rose says
I got my second shot this week and had a couple bad days but looking forward to the 2 weeks from now when I can finally go back to Target without feeling like I’m going to die or get hit with financial ruination from a hospital trip.
I guess I’d also like to see some family and friends. Living alone was pretty hard and without the cat, I probably would have gone batty. We’ve also postponed my mom’s memorial service over a year now.
Mostly I can’t wait until I can sit in the bar again on a Sunday afternoon and play some cribbage. Not outside. I hate the sun. At the nice bar where the bartender will come up and ask if I need anything else.
Just make the third book Linus sitting in a bar in his Jaegar suit playing cribbage with evil grandma lamenting about how all the kids are too nice and an exposition dump about how they all lived happily ever after.
Toni Kelly says
I’m going to Ireland! This trip was originally scheduled for April 2020, but we all know how that ended. This is the 3rd reschedule date, and it looks like this one will stick. I’ve decided this was fate taking a hand, as our new departure date is one week after my 50th birthday. This trip was obviously meant to be my birthday gift.
Julene Warwick says
Coming from a contracting family, yes, that is what we like to call 5 can special. My house is painted that way too but ours is sort of mocha/cream colours.
We here in Canada have unfortunately had our shipments of the vaccine delayed and halved so I”m hoping they are correct and I should be vaccinated before mid June…..sigh. I am on the west coast and I have family on the east coast and friends in Maryland so those are the places I will be going once everything is more under control. 🙂
Diane says
I bought a campervan! I won’t be visiting the USA or elsewhere for a loooong time. So I decided that me and my new dog (who is now a giant 1 yr old bernedoodle) will go on the road in the U.K. – I figure if I can work from home I can work from my campervan. I get my second jab next week too.
We actually met many many years ago when I brought you a gift of some English tea to a book signing!
Cindy Keller says
Our 35th wedding anniversary is in August. Hoping for a camping trip to Crater Lake & the Redwoods. If the wildfires aren’t out of control & covid doesn’t make a comeback that is.
Patricia Mendes says
Road trip to Devils Tower and Mount Rushmore!!
Alysia says
Oh Portugal was supposed to be my big vacation in 2022 but Thailand was supposed to be 2020’s big trip so maybe push everything back and finally see Portugal in 2024? Fingers crossed.
John Hampton says
Renaissance fair then cruise to well…anywhere but here.
Monica Lerouge says
If Macon can actually open up France we will go. Otherwise it’s Napa or Paso Robles for us this year.
What is your favorite/dream vacation?
Chandra says
My husband and teen son are musicians and avid music lovers/connoisseurs so we can’t wait for live music to come back… both to watch AND perform. My son can get vaccinated in July (he turns 16!) and my husband in august (due to his MS medication). Cant wait to lug music equipment around again and to watch my 2 favorite people do what they love most. Can’t. Wait.
Tylikcat says
Test post, because my last one didn’t go through?
Moderator R says
Hey Tylikcat,
I have 6 comments from you today:
2021/04/29 at 4:04 pm
2021/04/29 at 4:30 pm
2021/04/29 at 5:05 pm
2021/04/29 at 5:21 pm
2021/04/29 at 5:22 pm
Nothing else came in so far 🙂
Tylikcat says
5:22 was a repost of the one that didn’t go through? No clue!
(I waited a bit, but when I still didn’t see it put through the test and the re-post, mostly because I’m pretty sure this has happened before, but mostly I haven’t bothered to figure it out.)
Thanks!
Tylikcat says
Aforementioned last post (feel free to delete if the other one gets unstuck):
Things are underway?
* I had a tattoo consultation (but won’t get the tattoo until July).
* I had my first unmasked inside dinner with a friend.
* Second week of May, there is probably going to be a lab party / movie night at my place. (There’s at least two lab members I’ve never seen in person?)
* First week of June, my sister comes up for a visit… and then takes the kittens I’ve been fostering back to Seattle with her. (She’ll be met at the airport by the kittens’ new person, who is a long time friend.)
I really want to spend some time up in the mountains this summer.
My wingwoman, Z, and I, are waiting eagerly to be able to go out dancing again (but we’re both cautious? And busy. And really anticipating being in our eighties and having goth / industrial nights at the retirement community that start at five. I could do with dance nights starting at seven right now?)
There are a number of local folks and local events it would be fun to interact with in person. Not that I get out that often, but…
Oh, and I’m finally going to start a local Chen class, though I’m not sure when (after I get my parking pass worked out, probably?) I can do a forms only class in the robot theatre, but if we’re doing any hand to hand work I need to find another venue. Because B worries about insurance.
…so much of the big stuff that’s been going on in my life is only peripherally affected by covid.
* Need to figure out enough about where I’m going to decide if it makes sense to buy here. (Ideally, buy a big place with my sister, hence to be known as the family compound.)
* Settle my mother’s estate. (Not the executor, thank heavens, but, that’s a thing.) (It’s a pretty big thing, on a number of axes.)
* Maybe by next fall the current family blow up will have died down enough that I’ll want to visit the relative who is very dear to me, but who just was truly awful to my sister. (I think there’s a good chance she’ll apologize once things have calmed down?)
Right now, I’m trying to see if I can get the orange kittens I’ve been fostering to a friend in Seattle any earlier than June, as they are now socialized – and bundles of mischief and rambunctiousness, wanting constant play and love, and wanting to take over my house. Which is fabulous, but my poor cats are a little overwhelmed? I’m a little overwhelmed, though it’s a good kind of overwhelmed.
Breann says
I hope you’re better at forgiving than I am. I could forgive someone for being mean to me (especially if they were sorry), but if they did that to my sister? Oh heck no. Which is why I no longer go to certain family functions. ((Hugs))
WS says
Post Pandemic: Realistically, I’m going to go visit my parents. In an ideal world, I would find the most beautiful beach in the world, get on a plane going there, and sit there in the sun far away from everyone I’ve been stuck in a house with since last spring.
WS says
I will also say that one of the houses that we looked at ~20 years ago had pink paint, pink carpet, pink wallpaper, and I think even pink (cracked) vinyl flooring in the kitchen. I remember pastel pink from the ‘80s (when the house was built), but I cringed at the thought of the immediate expense of dealing with all of it if we had bought the house.
Dee T says
I’m excited for the Greenday concert we bought tickets to a year and a half ago. I don’t think there’s an actual date yet but I look forward to it someday.
JP says
Would love to hear Ruby Fever. I also think reading about Nevada and Conners baby would be awesome. And we need to know who grandpa is with Victoria at the hospital!
Judy says
As the weather warms and more of my stitching friends get vaccinated, we are gathering in small groups, still outdoors as much as possible, trying to resume our regular meet-ups. The local fiber guild is also meeting outdoors. Brother and are are expecting a visit from his daughter and grandson this summer (haven’t seen her in two years, him in three). My 2020 Australia/New Zealand trip has been rescheduled to 2022. Small steps.
Mary says
A 15 day bff road trip through 20 states this summer. My bff and I are working on 50 by 50. All 50 states by our 50th birthdays. Covid put us behind, so we are taking an epic summer road trip. I will get to take 2 states off my list and she will get 15 states off her list. So if you see two crazy 40 somethings arguing on the side of the road, while taking a picture it will probably be us.
Brian says
I’ve been pretty much stuck in China since the whole pandemic thing started. The good news, China bounced back pretty quickly after the initial quarantine. The bad news was I had to sign another contract here to make ends meet… I plan on going home (USA) in August, for vacation or a new job… I’m not sure yet…
Bill from NJ says
We both just got our 2nd jab, my wife is sick from it,hit her hard.
For us I think it is being able to go someplace and not have to think about if we have to ie other than the food store,home depot,garden center. Being able to drive to the beach and not worry about restrooms,we haven’t been to a beach since 2019. Visit at a friend’s house. Going out to eat,we last did that in late 2019. Being able to see our son’s chamber group play live and in person, not just streaming. I think it is for us where you can.be spontaneous and not have to worry about it.
We are thrilled for my son’s group but also worried, they are part of a chamber music competition in Italy in June. He and his group are all vaccinated ( they teach as part of their residency), but still.
I think for us to the biggest thing is feeling gratitude that despite all the screw ups and stupidity w covid, that thanks to science and dedicated researchers and ppl acting responsibly around here, we are likely able to think about being normal.
Vala says
We bought an older 28 foot RV and took off last fall – couldn’t bear to deal with another Washington winter and covid, so we headed to Florida. Spent three months traveling all over it – wore our masks, were carefull, and we did fine. Absolutely fell in love with Florida – Loved it!!!!! Can certainly see why you want to go there, hurricanes or not. We came back to wrap things up, then plan to head back to Florida for this next fall/winter – next spring we probably won’t come back.
MacGrani says
When our oldest son bought his first condo the kitchen, dining area, living room and master bedroom had been painted dark grey with bright white trim. The carpet was a dark grey shag. The second bedroom and bathroom were Hello Kitty pink with Hello Kitty decals on all the walls in both rooms. In the second bathroom not only the walls had been painted pink but the sink, toilet and tub/shower had been PAINTED pink. One set of kitchen cabinets went from standard depth to five inches. It’s like they shaved them down and put doors on them. Our younger son moved in for 3 months and his “rent” was removing the decals and painting. The first room he stripped and painted was the pink bathroom.
The first place we want to go to is Norway. We have family we love dearly and have not seen in almost 3 years. We were supposed to go in 2020 but we all know what happened to that trip. Norway is breathtakingly beautiful and we always have a great time with that branch of family! Fingers crossed we can go before the end of the year.
Did you know that off the coast in southern Norway (Stavanger) is a beautiful little island with tropical plants? Plus an amazing little restaurant! https://florogfjare.no/en/
I’m so sorry you hate Catalina right now. I love her story – when she returns to you it will be wonderful.
Hang in there
Tiger Lily says
I talk to my sister every day on the phone but I want to see her and give her a hug. Her health is such that wasn’t possible before but we all have our vaccines so maybe in July? Hope all returns to fairly normal. Thanks to all who went above and aboard for others such as medical staff, people who work in jobs like grocery stores or transportation, people who worked with kids face to face, and anyone else I didn’t list.
Jodi Morris says
I am a huge Catalina fan. My niece and I are going on an African wildlife watching Safari in March 2023 in Tanzania and Rwanda.
Jodi Morris says
2022, I mean, unless Covid pushes it to 2023.
Mary Cruickshank-Peed says
Woo! New book from you guys this year!
I was up way too late last night with Murderbot, and a new Nora Roberts next month and a new book in The Goblin Emperor universe in June. It’s like a new- book -I’m- excited -about cornucopia!
Susanna says
South Africa for summer break.
I work in Hong Kong and my family is in South Africa, there’s no word yet of vaccines in SA however, so whether I’ll be able to go at all without a mandatory hotel quarantine when I return is iffy.
Taya says
I’m lucky to live in Australia, so we can’t go oversees, but can holiday near anywhere in country we like. 🙂 i’m hoping to have a mini holiday soon up north where its warmer before my pregnancy gets to far along and i feel like a hippo ><
Breann says
Congrats on the pregnancy!
Simone says
Wanting to see my 85 year old Dad in Canada. Last visit was Dec 2019. We’ve both had our shots butCanada is behind the US in vaccinations and requires a 2 week quarantine for travelers (vax is not excluded). But since I just had surgery and I start a new job in June it looks like it probably won’t happen until Dec this year. Sigh.
Robin Layton says
Yuck on leftover pink paint. The kids should pick something nicer or let you do it.
Poor old kitty! I dread thunderstorm season for my dogs’ sake.
We always wait patiently for any words you grace us with.
Colleen Curran says
If the whole house is painted, then they are probably friends or such, rather than in the actual construction industry. As the wife of such an individual, I know there would be at least ONE room not finished…
Inga Abel says
Here in Switzerland, we are kind of behind with the shots. I am soon to be 47 and I expect to get my first shot (maybe) in June or July. Despite the high rates of new infections they decided to open most of everything but inside restaurants, big concerts, discos etc. Means for me: when my holidays (which I spent at home of course) end on sunday, I will restart my job at the local casino with up to 200 persons … – which totally weirds me out, to be frank!
I hope that Europe will get a bit more on top of vaccinations by August, so I can visit my family in northern Germany for my next holidays.
For all with big plans on visiting Europe: please make sure of ALL the restrictions of your destination AND the things to get back! I have a friend at the Zürich airport, and the painful tales she tells: just WHOW!!!
For the Andrews family: I hope you see the love and appreciation in all of the formentioned post of your devoted fans! Don`t listen to the idiots! Be yourself and you will make everyone happy!
Greets and hope from Switzerland…
Inga
Ayla Giovannetti says
Well, I’m planning on visiting family and seeing friends I haven’t been able to see since before March 2020
Jessica says
I made a plan to take a trip with my best friend. Then another with my husband and kids. Then another with my parents, my family, and my brother’s family.
My kids keep saying, “when covid is over can we…?” It’s not over but we are vaccinated and ready to take them somewhere. If only they could remember how to eat with a fork and be polite in public ????
Sheena Tinglin says
Hiiiii
Got my second dose of vaccine yesterday. Besides a sore arm no sides affects. Yeahhh
So once travel is opened up my girlfriends and I are going to Thailand. It was postponed due to COVID. So def excited.
Wendy says
New book! So excited! Thank you! Sucky the Ruby Fever has become a chore. I am traveling with family this summer.
Jean-ann Stump says
My family is hoping to buy a new used car. We also want to get central air installed in our house. In January I hope that I will be able to attend the ALA conference in San Antonio.
Rowan says
I just got a new job! I put my notice in tomorrow. Sounds simple but what it really means is backing up all critical information on my laptop and phone. Erasing texts, calls and so, so much more. It means clearing the entire garage of work samples. I have 20+ years worth because that is how long I’ve done this job. I have an office to empty and multiple files and one quarter of a basement to empty out. I’ve already filled an industrial dumpster. I’m overwhelmed! Help!?
Chloé Charette says
Aaaaah… It sure is good to hear from you. 🙂 Always.
After things get on the mend, I’ll sing in shows again. So much. So loud. And cry for the beauty of music.
I’ll see EVERY show from the artists I love and miss so much.
I’ll go spend a week with every family member/chosen family member that I’ve missed so and be so ever cuddly. Hugs. I’ll give and take ALL THE HUGS!
And I’ll create. All the time. Make sure that I crank up the work so that I can quit wasting creative time at the dayjob and focus on my art.
I will travel. Dunno how (broke as Hell), but I’ll make it happen before another pandemic hits.
Stay safe, sane-ish, and healthy overlords. The world needs you.
Tori says
Im going for a week in June to a resort hotel at Universal Studios. The kids will do the park thing and I will do nothing but eat and sleep by the pool.
Rebecca says
I live in a county that has been locked down since the first week of March 2020. Restaurants are starting, just barely starting, to open for indoor dining. My goal for the next couple of months is to get to go out to eat. My friends and I want to go somewhere where we can eat indoors (yeah air conditioning!!) with actual plates and utensils and glasses. Maybe make it a night out and go to see a movie. All of this supposes that the restaurants and movie theaters actually open, but we can hope.
Carol Mullins says
Can’t hardly wait.I’m
Beth Leffler says
It sounds silly but my plans are simply to say yes to every invitation to a party, or lunch or hike or recital or whatever I am invited to EVER again. 🙂 And appreciate even the most annoying of company – simply because it IS company. Thank you all, Author Lords and fellow Book devouring Horde members for your humor and grace and giggles this past ridiculous eternity. Much Love!!
Me Duncan says
Short road trip in summer to visit family and friends in Boston, the Cape and Martha’s vineyard. Hopefully I can get it lined up with everyone’s schedule. Also a long weekend in the Adirondacks in July and eventually back to Europe. I was watching U tube videos of Portugal last night.
Arlenys says
One the pandemic is control???
I don’t think it will be any time soon I’m from Puerto Ordaz Venezuela, the vaccination is no available for everyone it is suppose to be for prioritized people doctors and other health workers but in true it is for the well connected people so regular people are not getting it for now and I’m sure there will be some kind of market with it they (military or doctors or whoever get to be in charge of the vaccination)will try together a profit out of it…. and even if we get the shot soon, the country is having and extremely horrendous lack of gasoline specially the state where I live that is a miner state (all the gasoline available for our state is being taking to the small towns where they (,government) is extracting gold and diamond so we have a transportation crisis I actually had to park my car since three weeks ago since I had been buying the gasoline at 1.5$ o 2$ per liter and know they selling it at 4.5$ or 5$ and even higher!!!!! But if someday I find the opportunity I will be going to Margarita to spend s complete week at the beach during daylight and at a bar in the nights!!!!
Love your books guys, make this mess a lot more endurable!
Sorry for this I think I’m going to explode
Arlenys says
Sorry for my English I’m pretty good at reading not so much at writing or speaking I shy out at speaking and my listening is the worst ???????????? I listen all kind of things
jewelwing says
It was perfectly understandable. Certainly better than I could do in pretty much any language other than English (though I can understand more French than I can speak).
Arlenys says
Thank you ????
Jim Huffman says
It may actually see me not returning to work like I used to. We have been spoiled by one of us being able to stay home and do all the little projects, everyday tasks, dinners, and things like getting kids to appointments and practice. We are not feeling the loss of income as much as we had feared, The pandemic caused a huge change in our alcohol intake, but we are backing off and dealing with the problems at hand. overall, things are beginning to look up. I’m glad to be able to keep up with you!
Ray says
For each Catalina hater out there, there are a bunch of lurkers out there like me who have no problem with Catalina and actually like the complexity of the character. I suspect you know how many people read your books/blog and then how many negative comments you actually get. The Catalina haters must be a a small fraction. I was honestly surprised to learn that Julie was not well liked. I love all your books and always advance order and then devour them once they hit my kindle. I would like to thank you for all your books and all the characters in them.
As for plans, my wife and I are planning on going on day trips or maybe go on a few overnighters. We live in Massachusetts and all of the Cape businesses are frantic to find seasonal workers. They are already saying it is busier than normal. We think that traveling to popular destinations this summer may be a bit aggravating just due to the lack of staff and the crush of people. So we plan on starting slow and then go from there.
Nancy Weaver says
Plans for Disney World this fall. Something to aim for. ????
Thought of you both as I drove through Cat Springs, Tx this last Round Top Antique Show. We stay at a bed and breakfast in Welcome, Tx. Will be back for the fall Antique Shows.
Sure hate you are not happy with Ruby. Emerald was a masterwork that I have read five times already. It took a long time for the next book after Burn, perhaps another pause is called for rather then force it. The wait would be worth it.
TagalaPT says
I’m with you on the excitement over the shots. My husband and I celebrated our shots by having take out dinner and wine. Now, waiting for my 13 y/o son to get it, and I’ll feel better. My mother was resistant about getting shots for her and my dad, and we kept talking her into it. She was afraid of the side effects, and we told her COVID was scarier. Anyway, my 34 y/o first cousin died last Tuesday, no prior health issues. A kid I had rocked in my arms and to whom I taught the solar system. We finally told my mom we were signing her and my dad up for shots, she didn’t get a choice. (She does, but she got the picture)
Anyway, I will be happy to read whatever you produce in any timeline you choose to publish. I’m grateful for the break you give me from all this craziness, and I wish you and your family the best.
Now on to making another offer for another house I will be outbid on. May the odds he ever in our favor!
Breann says
I’m sorry for your loss. ((Hugs))
Sandra says
Pink house? My sister recently painted her south florida house a dark fuschia/cranberry on the exterior. It’s uhhh different????.
I will be relieved when things open up a bit more. We lost Mom beginning of January because of dementia. Luckily I was there for the holidays and was actually holding her when she left. It was worth all the Covid testing and isolating after.
Dad has purchased a motorhome to come back to Cape Cod, specifically so he could bring his cats with. So, I’ll probably be driving him around in that a bit.
Hang in there House Andrews and BDH, it’s going to get better.
Robin Coots says
yay for finished novella! Oof on Ruby Fever. Please don’t try to force it too hard! We can wait!
Once things settle down, the husband and I want to go back to Kauaii for vacation. Possible rent a vacation house and invite the rest of my side of the family. Otherwise, my ambitions are small. Try to get weekly knit group going again. Go back to parking in the coffee shop and working on stuff (sans dogs and husband) three or four days a week. Nothing else materially changed for me this past year as far as routine, so I just want my escape from the house back.
Susan says
I’m traveling to visit three generations of family that I haven’t seen in a year and a half.
Sharon Fletcher says
The pandemic is not really effecting our plans.
We are battling to get our disabled daughter, Stephanie, in to get tumors removed from her brain. She keeps getting referred to specialists, with 5 week waits, only to be referred to more specialists. Meanwhile her condition is worsening and having odd effects, such as one eye being dilated, or her becoming ice cold and non responsive while on horse back. Right now she is feeding a baby bird, which she rescued from her dogs, with a syringe filled with chick starter and water. She has done this before, and as a result has birds nesting in her bedroom every Spring. She closes the windows at night, after they are on their nests, and they pull her hair to wake her up in the morning to let them out.
We are also battling the state’s eminent domaining of our farm. We have reached an agreement where they will subdivide the houses off of the farm, so we don’t have to move yet. We will rent out the guest house, renovate the main house, and sell it all with the remaining 5 acres after the canal project is done.
I have grandchildren and children visiting every week. Most of us have had Covid. We still isolate ourselves if we think we have ANY illnesses, but we continue to get together.
We do have plans for an extended family reunion in July, as those who want vaccinations will have had them all, and those of us who don’t will get covid tests within 48 hours of the reunion. I have not seen some of my family in over a year.
My children all have great jobs, which have not suffered during the pandemic. We did have our business burn down a year ago, but we were considering stopping that business and feel like that was an answer. We also retired from farming, as the state is buying/taking our land. (The price is decent, but we don’t have the option of refusing it)
But mostly our lives have not changed.
jewelwing says
I am sorry for your troubles. That is a lot, and would be even sans pandemic. It sounds as if you are handling it with grace. Best wishes to you.
Elizabeth B Handler says
We bought a T@B 320, a little teardrop camper, so we can travel with our own house. We’ve already been to NC to visit our middle daughter. We are fully vaxxed, thank goodness. It is a great feeling of relief.
Regina Hughes says
I get my second shot tomorrow.
Taking my Mom and 4 nieces and nephews to Mt Rushmore in June.
Australia/Fiji trip in October if they are letting people come.
We’ve been told work from home through September and maybe back to almost normal in October.
Kathleen Connor says
Heading to Colorado with my dog in Septemberto look for unmarked graves from the Gold Rush era
vi says
japan 2022
Karen O. says
I miss my extended family. I’m 62, single and being isolated from them sucks. Once the all clear is given, we will have a big family get together with lots of food, drink and conversations!
The babies are growing up quick and this stupid pandemic has made us miss the cute, baby cuddle phase with our youngest members….now they are crawling or walking. I feel like Sally in the Charlie Brown Halloween special…”Halloween is over, and I MISSED IT!” In my case it’s “The babies have grown up and I missed it!”
Second, I’m going on vacation. I’m getting my second vaccination next week and I’ve booked a week’s stay just south of Myrtle Beach, SC. Beach and lazy river, here I come! Nothing like floating in an inter tube down the lazy river and reading a book! So relaxing.
Can’t wait for the novella…I’m just finishing re-reading the Innkeeper series and I hope it’s from that series!
Tammy says
We are heading out next week on a driving trip to Santa Fe then Mesa Verde, Durango, Telluride, Vail and Colorado Springs. We decided driving and staying in the USA was the wisest choice for now. It will feel so amazingly good to get out there again.
Cecelia Donovan says
Longer camping trips to other parts of the U.S. Maybe a Canada trip. Possibly Disney World. Mostly just more family time and more hugs than usual.
Lacey Pfeffer says
Reading has kept me alive during Covid, but what keeps the authors alive? Had not thought about that one till this post. House paint is a glorious thing- changes everything overnight. Hope it brings some joy to your blah.
Lacey Pfeffer says
Oh! France. For sure going to the south of France as soon as they will let us off this island.
Linda Reed says
Hoping to fly back to Singapore to visit my parents whom I have not seen since summer of 2019. ????. I just love your writing so I’ll read anything you feel like publishing. Thank you.
Jody says
Having dinner with friends! Got my second shot yesterday!
Leigh-Ayn says
oooh! a 40k novella! I am excited and intrigued!
Ruby-Block – not fun! I feel for you. Hopefully it will come alive in your head again otherwise take another break. Forcing it will not be good for your mental health.
David Donahoe says
I am actually enjoying the life of a modern day hermit. I don’t think I would have liked it before such easy access to delivery. Thank you Peapod and door dash. So I will probably hole up for another 5 years.
Char says
I hope your book writing goes well and all the blocks go away. As many said, you write it I will read it!
We both have our vaccine, I cried when we got the first shot – because at last there was hope.
We went out to a restaurant for our anniversary. We stared with open mouths at the hot food we didn’t cook and the cold adult beverages. It was marvelous, and most people were good about the masks.
This weekend I am going in a Girl Trip to buy yarn, fabric and see the Museum exhibit “Dressing the Abby” based on the Downton Abby clothing.
Thank you for all the great work
Edie says
We’ve done grocery curbside pickup for almost a year now. Very grateful for our grocery store to provide it. Easy, practical, safe and fast.
But…my grand plan for when our adult household is fully vaccinated and rates are better in the Pacific Northwest is to- wait for it- take my five year old grocery shopping at the fancy grocery store in town. Buy whatever our hearts desire. Bring on the salami, the stinky cheese, and the eclairs with fancy piping. Also the poke bar, the fresh baguettes, the fancy produce section, the goat milk soap bars. We’ll take a pass through the olive bar, the local chocolates, the coffee section. We’ll debate the merits of copper River salmon can Alaskan cod. Midway through we might need a break at the fancy grocery store coffee bar with something frothy alongside a cinnamon roll or a cookie the size of my 5 year old’s face. And after refreshments we might decide to pick up a bouquet of flowers, and then another one, just because we can.
Akeru Joyden says
I really need a major boost, because the pandemic has made me increasingly bitter and acerbic to the point of being actively hostile. I have worked my fanny off during this whole thing covering up to four and five other positions at remote locations daily. I am extremely resentful now of anyone who complains about being able to sit at home bored (or even worried) under quarantine. I have to travel between duty locations multiple times weekly. I have worried about my supervisees-who I have had to detail out to hot spots of pandemic illness, my family whom I didn’t get to see for nearly a year, my own health as I live alone and am exposed to people in three cities multiple times per week. I am stressed to the breaking point. My microminerals are so out of whack that I have been amenstrual for 6 and 8 weeks at a time until I can get them somewhat balanced again. I am barely eating and gaining weight from the stress. Depressed, stressed, and extremely irritable and irritated. I just want to sleep-but am having trouble sleeping. I am using several stress relieving devices and techniques daily, but I dont feel any relief. And none appears to be coming soon… I just want to go to sleep…
CharisN says
I am so sorry that you cannot sleep.
It is tortuous… I hope that something improves for you.
Tina C says
My husband and I both have had our vaccinations. My daughter and her husband have had theirs. So we’re going to Chicago next month to visit them and I will finally meet my granddaughter, in person, and see my grandson again! (I’m so excited!)
jewelwing says
They are adorable! That picture put a huge smile on my face. You will have so much fun with them!
Kate says
Precious!
Tanja says
Once everbody is safer and restrictions aren’t so limiting I want to have huge family meals again and friends over for a nice brunch, meet for a nice walk or hike and have something to eat at a small restaurant with a great view – simple good food with lovely people. And visit Porto Santo again – my number 1 island spot for a rejuvanating vacation. It’s roughly 50 kilometers from Madeira/Portugal.
The most gorgeous long sandy beach, roughly 5000 islander, wonderful food and no worries. Just me meeting/feeling me , the ocean and relaxed people around.
Sarah P says
First, check out this woah house https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1204-S-18th-St-Saint-Louis-MO-63104/2934915_zpid/
Pics and description are woah.
I’m excited for ruby fever! I hope you feel better about it because it’s an awesome world and cast of characters you’ve developed. Looking forward to your novella too 🙂
I just hit 2wks post vaccine and got an amazing prenatal massage and pedicure, first pedicure in over a year, it was so awesome. Also planning a road trip x-country to see fam.
Jean says
Steam Punk-ish. Or Fever Dream. Who knew that was hiding in a Victorian row house neighborhood in St. Louis?!
CharisN says
Oh that poor poor house..
Smmoe1997 says
I had no idea that a brick rowhouse could hide such a wild interior! It’s not far from where I used to live when I had ny house in the city. I’m tempted to schedule a tour just to see it in person. Can’t say I would really want to live there, but I bet it would be amazing up close
Breann says
That house made me dizzy. ????
jewelwing says
Yeah…no. So busy.
SoCoMom says
Maybe a couple of road trips. One to Santa Cruz for a graduation present and another to OR for a deferred trip. The Bowling Alley. Movie theatre for Black Widow. At last, we will get to see what went down in Budapest. Finally have people over to see our new place.
I bought a house once with screaming Barbie Pink bedrooms and bathroom wallpaper borders to match. You have my sympathies. That project took several coats each of primer and the new coat (charmingly called “Duck’s Bill”) to change.
Joss says
Texas is sure getting some crazy ass weather! Luckily this didn’t cut power so that’s good.
I just want to go swimming…
Happy to hear you’ll have some peace of mind when you get your second dose.
Don’t stress about Catalina 3, it will come when it comes. You have devoted fans.
Keep on truckin
iva says
I would like to go see my parents in law in summer. At the end of January my daughter was born and they haven’t seen her yet in person.Actually, we haven’t seen each other in person since last July… They are both over 65 and both have had cancer so we didn’t want to risk anything.
Marsha Parris says
My first thing will do is go home to texas and see my family. I have missed seeing them for the last 18 months.
I have been vaccinated since January, but I have been working from home since last March.
Bin says
Honeslty it was always my dream to travel around as a nurse and work where I was needed most with someone like medicine without boarders … pandemic shut boarders even in most cases to medical personnel.. so I’m hoping to still fufill that dream one day .. in the mean time I’m working with the elderly .. not enough people do
Kristan Paige Hall says
I’m agoraphobic. I rarely left the house prior to the pandemic and never to actually go inside somewhere. Being locked down during the pandemic hasn’t been that different. But actually, there is a difference between choosing not to go anywhere and not being able to.
So I decided to work harder on my recovery so I am able to leave the house when this is over.
jewelwing says
Go you! That is so great. Best wishes on your baby steps, and on picking yourself back up and starting over whenever necessary.
Michael Cain says
Change jobs, and maybe someday see New Orleans. I’ll stop and watch or ready anything about that city.
Lauren says
Just got a house. Husband’s job is now permanently remote so we’re closer to family and expecting kid #2 in July. The last homeowner has painted EVERYTHING either a mauve/purple or mushroom brown except the one room they didn’t repaint which is dark, mustard yellow.
CharisN says
Wow!
That’s a color combo.
Never really got purple as a wall color choice. It dominates!
Zee says
Your mighty hunter looks so much like ours. She’s a black floofy void who is afraid of the dark but she occasionally murders small creatures and brings them back proudly.
We just moved to the countryside and the kitties have been enjoying the green space. Our house is in a fenced mango orchard so they love the open space and we don’t worry about them being run over by cars but there are so many animals and critters that the city cats are not used to. Just last week our void kitty brought back a baby monitor lizard that’s about six inches long.
Christina says
We’re doing a long road trip to visit family is September. We’re also hoping to make a trip to the Netherlands next spring to see the tulips.
Ariel says
I know that meh feeling. A lot of this pandemic has been like that.
When things are less crazy we plan to visit family in Japan and England. I want to go to the beach again and both countries have plenty of beaches to choose from.
Kath says
I’m moving – hopefully the middle of June, so that should be fun! The movers came this morning and emptied the garage into storage so I’d have somewhere to put the stuff that’s being packed in the house. When I moved in with my mother 7 years ago, I had a full two-bed apartment, which I shoehorned into an already full two-bed bungalow.
The stuff in the garage, most of it has been sitting in there since I moved in – It’s books and stuff which I don’t use (such as university books – subjects were classical history and creative writing) but can’t quite bring myself to get rid of – you never know when that info might come in useful…..
Bill G says
A finished item? Yippeeee!
Lynn says
Estes Park. Haven’t been to the mountains for several years and I miss them. After my diagnosis, I stopped worrying about other people’s opinions and concentrate on things that bring me joy. Your stories have given me an escape from reality that I really need sometimes. Thank you!
Ps. Some people are just idiots and have no common courtesy.
Siti says
Go home! See my parents, my siblings. My niece who was born last year during the pandemic who I’ve never met in real life and have just watched her growing up in videos.
Maria says
As soon as the pandemic is over I am getting on a plane and going back home to visit my parents and sister. It is now 1.5 years since I have not seen or hugged any of them IRL. It sucks, it’s awful, I hate it.
LeaB says
In France, we’re supposed to have less restrictions in two weeks so I’m going to take two week end off : one to go see my family who lives far away (my parents are vaccinated but they lived in another region so I didn’t see them since February) and another to go to the beach, just walking and maybe swimming =)
Theda says
Taking my husband to Maine this summer. Celebrating 30 years of marriage with a trip back to where our story started. And hoping to spend some time with some of the people we love who still live there.
And then at some point heading to Florida to see my sisters. I have been lucky and have been able to see my kids and grandson. ????
Gretchen says
Ilona, I’m so sorry you’re going through that with Ruby Fever. My advice is to wait until you’re at peace with the story. Hate is a really strong emotion. Don’t take it lightly. Trust your gut, and don’t publish something that you personally don’t like and that you won’t be proud of.
Your fans will be fine waiting for the stories that you need more time to write. If it’s a year or year-and-a-half after the original date of release, we will wait, we will buy it, and we will love it. Consider the hate mail you got for Julie’s character, and when you published Blood Heir it was a great success. Don’t let the haters make decisions for you.
I have always been super amazed and impressed the few times that you have told us that one paragraph or page has taken you two weeks to write because you want to get it perfect. You’re my heroes, because it is so worth it.
I hope you stick to your guns, and wait until the time when you are comfortable with the decisions you’ve made regarding the back.
Siobhan says
+1
Sharon Parsons says
I’m going to visit my dad in Wales UK, haven’t seen him since last February and my 6yr old son has missed his bampy…so we are going there for a week…then it will be other family and friends that I’ve missed.
Thanks for all your great books, I hope Ruby Fever gets easier for you but if its not its time…we can wait xx
Rorie Solberg says
We are heading to Chicago and Clinton Iowa to see family. Both of my kids grandma’s have been deprived of their grandkids for over a year!
tina henry says
Big changes ahead for us. We are moving mid May to a Condo. The Condo is just over 1,000sqft and our house is over 4,000sqft. It is freeing and scary at the same time. We have had our second shot and are relieved beyond belief. Once we settle in our condo for a bit, we plan on traveling to see our KIDS. In capitals because we have not seen them in almost two years! Then, maybe a trip further afield since it has been so long since we have been anywhere. I will wait with anticipation for anything you and Gordon write. You both have been a literary salvation for me as well as a great reducer of stress. I hope your stress’s continue to decrease. You have had a time of it as well. Just know that your fans appreciate you very much and you spread joy into the world with your books.
Angie says
Found a snippet from a previous post…
Me, still watching an in-my-head movie of KD fans jumping on the table and kicking things: Ruby Fever, Iron and Magic 2, and then that forger thing you and I talked about. Why?
Secret project hint?
ConnieK says
We’re trying to figure out if the Canadian border will open back up. If so, we’ll be heading to the great white north (well, Toronto, area, but still ????♀️). My mil is there and we haven’t seen her since just after Christmas 2019. We’ve since had a third child that she hasn’t met. It sucks. We send lots of pictures and call a lot, but she doesn’t have internet, or a computer so that makes things… difficult. She’s finally figured out cell phones though and is coming around to texting and getting kiddo pictures that way. First thing we’re doing when we can finally go visit, ok, second thing, first thing will be introducing her to her grandson, next thing will be getting her outfitted with internet and installing the hub thing we got her for Christmas this past year.
Mireille Hay says
Once the pandemic is controlled. I’m hoping that I can visit my family in Australia.
Shaashoo says
We have A LOT of family commitment type trips. Help bro-in-law with his house in Tampa. Another trip is moving truck inheritance stuff from PA to NC (wheeee). Attempt a family vacay in North Florida. Attempt another fam get together that involves a sketchy cabin in Pigeon Forge. Last time we stayed near here, there were copious nighttime gunshots from the bonfire party down the road. Not. A. Fan. Got my second Pfizer shot yesterday and so far feeling fine. Power on and get it done!!
Gsg says
I am fully vaccinated and in a month am going to my great nephews 1st birthday party. In October, I’m going to Charlotte, NC to see my nephew graduate from Fire academy. That was always his dream job and I’m very proud that he made the decision to go with what he loves instead of what he hates but pays better. For the future, I missed out on a cruise up the coast and down the St Lawrence River in Canada due to the pandemic and a knee that needed surgery, so I will start planning that for fall 2022.
Big Mike says
Back in late January or early February of 2020 the wife & I pulled money out of my 401K for a bucket list trip to Banff originally scheduled for July of last year. Canada’s border lockdown forced us to reschedule for July of this year, and now even that’s looking pretty iffy. Wife and I are in our 70s; hope we get to Banff other than as ghosts.
Considering that the two of us are fully vaccinated and that the medical profession now knows how to treat COVID-19, which they didn’t this time last year, it seems more than a bit overblown to keep whole states locked down and the Canadian border closed.
Big Mike says
Things I can’t wait for:
Ruby Fever (I hope you can carve out a good-sized role for Arabella)
Arabella’s trilogy
More Dina and Maud
More Hugh and Elara
Lots more Julie and Derek
Write what you feel like writing, subject to agreements with your publishers. I don’t think I am in any way atypical of your readers and there’s lots that can keep us happy.
jewelwing says
+1
Jéssica Freitas says
Happy one of the projects is finished, nothing like tgat sweet feeling you get when you risk one less thing to do on a list. When the pandemic ends I just want to see my family and friends and hug them. Sadly I don’t believe I’ll be able to be vaccinated until next year.
Nancy Heald says
Disneyland reopened today, with a 25% capacity cap. I’m not normally a Disneyland afficianado, but I’d pay double to be able to wander the park with that much less other people in attendance.
Terry Lynne Chronister says
I did Disney world at that cap. It’s amazing. It will be very hard to go back at normal numbers.
Trish Henry says
Anywhere, doing anything. So happy to get out of the house!!! Need to start planning a trip. It’s been so long!
Lisa says
We are in North Texas, our hail was not as large as yours, but it was crazy. We have had our shots and in the fall or spring want to take a river boat cruise in Europe somewhere.
Kirsten says
The first thing is a trip to Chicago with Mom but the big one is for New Years. My nephew and I are going to Kakslauttenen above the Arctic Circle in Finland for NYE plus a couple nights to see the Northern Lights. Then going to Helsinki for a few more days.
Kakslauttenen has been on my bucket list for years. I can’t wait!!
Martha says
Last summer I had to cancel a booked trip to Boston (they were going to have a really cool Egyptian exhibit there). That obviously was canceled and I reused the points for a Seattle / Portland / Bridal Veil Falls / Astoria / Leavenworth road trip (fly into Seattle and drive around Oregon and Washington. I have done this trip several times before and it is a neat little road trip. I am going with my adult son. We are both vaccinated. I have been following the news and it appeared Oregon has had a huge influx and has shut everything down. I have the time off of work and so does my son. I live in Colorado, and going on a Colorado road trip in May isn’t the best idea because there may still be blizzards at the end of May (I know this because I grew up in the mountains and both proms we had to drive in a blizzard). I talked with my son and he asked about Washington DC, which is a huge flip. I looked and they are doing well, things are open.
Long story. That is where we are headed. I rebooked the hotels and flights. Maybe take the train up to NYC for a day.
At the end of summer, I want to hike up the top of a 14r. I have never hiked to the top of one. I always enjoyed hiking in the trees too much. But… I put it on my bucket list, now I need to get my thighs in shape for that.
Martha
kate davenport says
Why do you violently hate it?
Paraphrasing some advice I heard Jos Wheaton give once that has worked for me in all kinds of ways was, “If a (script) just isn’t working, take the scene you love the most and throw it out, because, no matter how good it is, that’s probably the thing that is in the way. You’re adjusting everything else fruitlessly in the effort to keep it.”
Over time I’ve found that advice works everywhere–writing, painting, sewing, knitting, gardening, etc.
Emily Lutes says
I am a fully vaccinated teacher and as soon as school is out I am leaving on an adventure! I will be exploring beautiful springs and exquisite caves all over Southern Missouri and Arkansas. The Ozarks, sigh, so pretty. I am also excited about my lodging choices for this road trip. They vary from spring side lodges, to magical cottages. This will definitely be a trip to remember!
Dianne Richardson says
I am selling my house and buying an older RV and doing what ever else crosses my mind…which could be a lot or very little. I am tired of the accumulations of a lifetime and shedding as much as possible, giving it away to my kids and friends or garage sells and if nothing else works a dumpster. I hope that frees me up to live the rest of my life my way. I am 67 years old and still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up. At this rate it doesn’t even matter as long as it brings me peace and joy. Thank you for all you do for your fans.
Fan for life
Carol says
Our house had battleship grey primer on every room in house. Go figure! My parents had purchased a home where every room was painted turquoise!
Looking forward to any of your books and blogs/newsletters ! I still get hysterical laughing at the image of the Rumba gone wild and flinging “stuff” all over.
It’s been a difficult year for me and I just want to relax!
CharisN says
ooo we toured a house when we were hunting for SOMETHING in our price range that I felt so positive about until we hit the kitchen. All I remember is a blur of turquoise. Counters, cabinets, curtains bright bright turquoise. Tried to talk myself into it but ….
Audra says
My 10 year wedding anniversary is this fall and I’ve been secretly stashing away savings for a surprise Europe trip for my husband and I! We’re both fully vaccinated and haven’t been on a vacation in…well, ever! I haven’t made any concrete plans and we probably won’t get a chance to go until this time next year, but I’m so excited! His family is from Ireland but he’s never been so that’s definitely one stop. Three kids 6 and under ARE NOT invited!
Laura the Librarian says
I like to camp, kayak, and hike, so the pandemic didn’t really effect either of those things where I live. We can do all of it within our county and state. Our population density is so low there are more cows than people. Sorry about your hail storm. We occasionally get that kind of storm here and it’s terrifying. Congratulations on completing the novella! Some of the best days of my year are when your work hits the market. Lots of luck with the second shot-I hear it can be a doozy for some people. I went with the J&J vaccine. One and done.
Jennifer says
I’m hoping to travel overseas, anywhere really, but Vietnam is currently top of my bucket list.
More locally, I’m looking forward to signing up for lessons at a local pottery studio once I get my second shot.
Terri says
Weird weather! Here in the western side of MI we are having a mild drought. Huh!
JuliW says
I’d like to see my son. He’s in the Navy and it’s been 2 years since I saw him last. I’m also driving from SC to Tampa to see friends.
Patti says
Going to CO in August and then CA and Oregon in September.
Red woods and Crater lake!
We are flying for both trips!!!
We did several road trips last year and they were great.
Highly recommend Big Bend national park. Amazing!
Roxanne says
Nothing so exciting as leaving the state. Excited that our closest friends have all received their second vaccinations! So we look forward to take out from Lemon Grass (our favorite local Thai restaurant), meeting at a friends’ back yard for a beautiful Minnesota (81 and sunny) Saturday afternoon and evening with adult libations for the first time since November! And maybe a bon fire if we manage to stay awake that long.
JB says
Escape rooms, escape rooms, escape rooms. It’s time and I need my puzzle hunt back in my life.
Also, we have a cruise booked (we booked in 2019 i swear! 1st case of covid wasn’t until december that year!) in Europe to see the christmas villages. I NEED this trip to actually happen. Come on vaccinations world-wide go go go.
Drew says
I am going to see my perfect, perfect grandson and granddaughter in Louisiana.
NSum says
Congratulations! I am so happy for you!
KC says
Lots of photo adventures for me, I’m now fully vaccinated and already started my post pandemic adventures. I had some workshops I signed up for in 2019, postponed to this year My first one was this past March in the Big Bend region of Texas, and some are coming up next month.
Here’s a shot of Mule Ears from Big Bend National Park at sunrise. ^_^
Sue Taylor says
Thank you for asking about post-Covid plans, because it makes me happy to think about: I am going to hug people! Not people who don’t want to be hugged; I mean, I won’t go around glomping onto strangers, but I want to hug the people I’ve been missing! They are precious and wonderful and I want to see and talk with them in person. I hope everyone has something good waiting for them at the end of this thing.
EarlineM says
Just did a week at Lake LBJ (in Texas) with a bunch of cousins and my 90 year old aunt and uncle. All of us are older and had been in the first to be vaccinated. So good to hug then all!
Marian Bernstein says
I’m so sorry you hate what you’re working on; it must make things so much harder. Invest in good primer for the pink paint-maybe the previous owner was colorblind.
NSum says
Yay! Congratulations! It must feel like such a relief and an accomplishment after this last year. I personally will read anything you two write and am not concerned about Ruby Fever. Quite frankly The Edge and Innkeeper world is my favorite and I would love an Edger update. I really want to know what is going on with the younger set.
No pressure! We want happy writers. Outside of goodwill towards you, if it isn’t a pleasure for you to write it will show up in the work.
Tina says
Exactly !! Couldn’t agree more.
Sequioa says
A bit off topic, but, since you posted an anime, may I suggest one that will definitely make you laugh, may possibly relieve some stress, & has very short episodes? It’s called, “Way of the Househusband” and it’s available on Netflix. I’ve been having a difficult time lately due to Covid related fallout, & watching this cheered me up (if only for a moment, but I’m glad for that brief respite). I’ve even ordered the manga it is based on.
Highly recommend.
JessT says
Once I can travel again (hopefully mid June) and having had my second shot I hope to go and see my daughter and grandchildren in Ireland who I haven’t seen since January 2020 – it’ll be amazing! Your books have helped a lot- they’re so good
Dana says
I am so looking forward to eating out in a restaurant with my husband without feeling like I should be wearing a mask WHILE eating (not that that’s possible)! And a trip to Louisiana to see my sister when she finally buys her house down there. Just the chance to visit family and HUG them again! It’s the little things I miss most.
AP says
We’re just looking forward to eating out in restaurants again and being able to relax through the meal.
I’m weirded out a bit getting together with friends (all of us are fully vaccinated) and being able to see smiles. And hugging!!! Who have thought I would have retrain myself to act “normal” again!?
When you have such a passion for writing, it must be so difficult to finish a book you hate. I’m sorry to hear that some readers are unhappy with Catalina but they have to be a teeny weeny tiny minority, essentially signifying nothing.
Your BDH is behind you whatever you decide and how ever long it takes.????
CK says
I am so excited to
#1 visit the fancy yarn shop in person
#2 get my hair professionally done and
#3 sit outside on patios and visit with my friends
Mardee says
During the pandemic, for the last year, I’ve been learning German. My goal now is to go to Germany and stay there for 2 to 3 months and try and immerse myself into the language, and possibly take a class over there as well.
marcia glenn says
Why do you hate Ruby Fever? As for us, we have a 4 night trip to Bend Oregon at the end of May, we booked it in January hoping for the shots which we got. We have a 3 week trip to Reno and Las Vegas (condo) for friends and family to visit and catch up with us. While we do gamble (me) we plan on trips to Red Rock Canyon again (4th time) and Valley of Fire (last time I was there was in the early 1980’s). I am hoping for another trip in July to Windsor/Santa Rosa California through the Redwoods. Fingers crossed no wildfires.
KMD says
I get my second shot mid May, and sometime in June I’m going to go see my mom since we’ll all be fully vaccinated. We’ll probably go out to dinner and maybe do some shopping, none of which we’ve been able to do together since black friday ’19. I talk to her and my brothers frequently on the phone, but it’s not the same.
Ona Jo-Ellan Bass says
My post pandemic plans are not a lot different from my pre-pandemic plans. I will continue to work from home (I was before, during, and probably will long after) because it is my favorite way to work. I set my own schedule, I select (within reason) my projects, and I can take time out for graduations (my two youngest grandkids), mowing the lawn and tending garden beds (which do figure into the projects), and do not have to justify myself to Anyone if I need to take a day just to lie down and read books. There’s a good chance that some of the books will be from House Andrews.
Monica says
Thats a Lot of pink.
We are heading to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons in August. Can not wait for that road trip.
Kailin says
I get my second shot today (woohoo!) and once the pandemic is controlled I will still be stuck in my office at work because I haven’t earned any vacation yet 🙁 But hopefully my sisters and I will be attending BABE in Australia 2023, plus staying a bit longer to explore. There’s three of us, and I, like Catalina, am the middle child. I live vicariously through her and I know its giving you trouble now but wherever you decide to take her next is going to be just as amazing as the rest of the Baylor family’s stories.
Plus, the allusion of any and all potential projects to come from House Andrews keeps me occupied with endless plot theories, so at least I won’t be bored in the mean time.
Jacquie says
The day my husband and I got our second shots we booked a week in Mexico for late May. Being in our mid 70’s we always get travel insurance that gives us a full refund if we cannot go. I need me some beach!!
Jacquie says
We also had to cancel our 50th wedding anniversary gift of a month in Italy. We’re hoping to go as soon as Italy is pandemic free.
BrendaJ says
Thank you for working on a project that will make the BDH very happy but doesn’t make you happy.
Southern California has had two incidences of high summer in the middle of spring. It’s currently 84° outside. Sounds nice except I do kid school pickup which means I sit in the car, in the sun, for 1 hr & 30 mins. Running the AC all that time burns thru my gas quick-like. Which has gone back to pre-Covid prices.
I’m flying to St. Louis on June 4th for 9 days. Gonna celebrate my great nephew’s HS graduation and my 65th Bday. Gonna be fun!
Missy says
There’s two restaurants on my post Covid list. The first is Piro’s in Methuen. Rice balls to die for and cases of amazing pastries. The second is the Bleu Squid in Mystic, home of the best snickerdoodle cupcakes in existence. I’ve behaved myself and not left Maine since this started, but I’m counting down the days. 🙂
Also, I’m so sorry that you’ve gotten crap about Catalina. I’ve really enjoyed her perspective and personality, and re-read her stories several times. I hope you can find enjoyment in those stories again.
Wendy Jo says
Camping in Wyoming where we live. Our drift boat will be ready for pick up mid-July and then exploring Class 1 rivers in our region. I am looking forward to navigating the Big Hole River which passes by the towns of Wise River and Wisdom, Montana. The names tickle me.
Tina says
I hope you have some contractual flexibility to take your time with Ruby – not George Martin flexibility, you understand, but this isn’t some production line that you can flip on and off with a switch – it’s better that you and Gordon write motivated than obligated. The BDH will devour it whenever it comes.
Carrie S says
I’ve been lucky enough to book an “un-cruise” in Alaska at the end of May. https://uncruise-alaska.com/ If anyone is interested in checking it out.
I’m hoping to go to Bali at the end of August with a women’s traveling group. Not sure if international travel will be open by then. Keeping my fingers crossed.
I retired in February and was fully vaccinated in April. Travel and reading are my hobbies.
I’ve re-listened to all of the Ilona Andrew’s books in the last few months and I’m really looking forward to anything new that comes out
Good luck with all of your projects. You are appreciated
Ann says
My family and I lived in Alaska for many years. It is one of the most beautiful places on earth . Take your time and stay out of Anchorage, and Wasilla, as much as possible. We say,”Alaskan is 20 minutes outside of Anchorage “. Enjoy and pack rain gear.
Ronwen Guest says
I want to see my mother. She is 95 today, does not hear well, and I only get a few words with her this afternoon on the phone. She may remember tomorrow that I called. We have both had both shots (Weird system of vax distribution here in Ontario, Canada) but live 150 miles apart and my brother tends to just go to her without asking if I want to go too…families? I have not seen her for about a year and a half, she is forgetting.
nrml says
Just as the pandemic started, one entire end of our house went dark. I am pretty handy with fixing things, and a plug stopped giving electricity, so I flipped the breaker off, and as I removed the old plug, breaker tripped, no power supposed to be there, the blasted thing tried to electrocute me. I’m not playing with wires that are supposed to be dead and aren’t. But we couldn’t have anyone come in and rewire the house during the pandemic, then I found out about the stupid cancer and went into treatment for that, and the pandemic raged on, so the entire end of the house has been sans power all this time. The instant I am well enough again to have someone in here to repair the entire wiring in the house at that end of it, I will do that. The living room and dining room are all on one breaker because we live where there are no rules about what can be done to build a house and the guy who paid to have this house built was clueless and let the builder do whatever he wanted to do without a thought to proper process in wiring and how much power should go through one breaker at a time. Not to mention that in order for what happened to have happened, wires are crossed up in that attic where I’m not going to crawl around! So, number one — rewire my house. I live in terror of an electrical fire with things messy the way they are.
We are vaccinated since early March, being old and getting the one-shot vaccine, but chemo makes me immuno-compromised, so I will have to wear masks for long months to come. Fine. I can deal. But it will be nice to see our children again, when it’s safe to go where they refuse to be vaccinated. Yes, one of my children is refusing the vaccine for the household. Give me strength to not scream! The other child will be able to visit us soon, I hope, when the vaccine is two weeks in and done.
Next week, I will have one cataract removed, and two weeks later, I’ll have the other one removed. Then I’ll heal and get glasses for astigmatism and bifocals and photo gray to block glaring sun so the migraines don’t hit, and be able to see clearly again. Very exciting. It’s hard to read when your eyes don’t both focus properly.
Just as all the eye business comes to an end, I will find out if the current chemo is keeping the tumors in check. If not, we have to try something else, but if so, I will continue on this path. There is no cure for this type of cancer, but keeping the tumors from growing will keep it from killing me for a while.
I am disappointed that Ruby Fever is giving you problems. I love the world of the Baylor family, and I wish I could imagine where the book will go, but I have no such imagination and have to wait it out. There is so much up in the air there that I’m sure it’s very difficult to juggle everything and make it work out. It’s a very complicated world, and I’m sure it’s just getting more so, but you’ve always had a way with making your worlds work, so I guess I just assumed you were doing fine with it all, knowing where you were going and how to get there. And it’s exciting that you have produced a entire novella for us soon to come. Without a single clue what it is about, I’m sure it’ll be a good read. I am confident that I will be entertained by whatever it is that you decided to write. History does tend to repeat itself, after all.
Above all else, take care of yourself. Between the new house, the pandemic, and your physical ailments, you need to get some rest. Take some. The important thing to do is to stay alive and well. Trust me on that one.
Chris says
+1❣️
Bea says
Going to New York to visit my mom. I hadn’t seen her for 1 1/2 years. Was going right before Covid hit and since my parents are elderly I didn’t want to take any chances. I’m a mailman and have had constant contact with the public.
Chris says
I would like to do simple things like go to restaurants and shops. But we live near Orlando, where there are still a lot of new cases. The big parks are completely open which means the airport is wide open too, and people are poring in from all over the world. And the cases just keep rising, and “Normal” keeps getting farther away.
I doubt we will see anything like normal again this year.
Why does everyone think everything’s safe to get back to normal now, as there are more cases and more strains than ever. Our HOA has just lifted mask requirements at the club house even though about 10% of home owners in our section have contracted “Rona” and all residents in our 100-or-so development are at-riskers. None of the H.O.A.’s volunteers to deliver newsletters have ever approached my door wearing a mask. Masks keep you safe from getting all kinds of air-born diseases. So why is it so hard to do your part to protect your family and neighbors.
Alison says
We’re in tier 3 in Scotland now so are able to travel between local authority areas for non essential reasons so on Monday (a bank holiday here) we are all going going the beach!!!! Haven’t been to the beach since March last year and am so looking forward to it! We will have to wear 40 layers as it is baltic here but I don’t care! Sand! Sea air!! Seashells!!!!
CharisN says
We had put money down on a river cruise I. France for May 2020. So…. maybe 2023?
Judy Schultheis says
Of the three Baylor sisters, my favorite is far and away Arabella; but Catalina has developed into a wonderful Head of House. Her absolute determination to stay herself while learning everything she can from the nastiness that is her paternal grandmother has earned her a good deal of respect, as far as I’m concerned.
I’m even beginning to understand what she sees in Alessandro.
Please don’t give up on Ruby Fever. Rework the bits you personally don’t like, if you must – but it will be a truly fine book and I will pre-order as soon as you give us word that it will be available.
JGAO says
We are taking our RV to visit family and friends that we haven’t seen in over a year. We’re all vaccinated (the adults, I mean). It will be so good to see them! And to get out of the AZ heat!
Zaz says
I will be going to our local playhouses for Kinky Boots
and Evita, the movie theaters for Black Widow and anime Fathom events, anime club and RPG game night
Cheryl says
I had always wanted to do international volunteer work. As an RN, I have been on several missions in the past and thought that was what I would get to do more often in retirement. Hadn’t planned on Covid. So far only been retired a few months and kept myself busy with this and that. I didn’t have a plan B, so am still holding on to that idea for awhile longer.
I also got my second shot recently and taking a chance to visit friend in Texas. I am excited to do something, everyone else thinks getting on an airplane and going some place should not be done.
Jackie Kennedy says
I’m hoping to buy a house closer to my family. If COVID has taught me one thing, it’s how short time really is. I look forward to seeing family members I haven’t in years because ‘other things’ have been more important.
I agree with everyone who says they loved the world you built, and I can’t imagine the pressure you are under to produce not only a work that you love, but one that the masses will enjoy. So, in true Canadian style, I’m sending you all the good vibes I can. Because no matter what you put out there, it will be amazing simply because you put a piece of you in it.
Stay safe, and hug a dog. I hear they’re great at relieving stress. 🙂
Anne says
Fighting for open science, no more editorials no more “oh we cannot produce this here cause the lab wants to sell it for thousand of dollars even tho the research was public funded and we make the prime matter for it”.
Angry argentinian scientific here.
Jean says
I plan on taking short trips in the area. I’m in Pittsburgh, PA and have easy access to Ohio and West Virginia. I’m also about an hour and a half from Braddock’s Road a military rout during the Revolutionary War. That’s where Fort Necessity and Braddock’s grave are located. Pittsburgh is well known as the “Steel City” but we also have deep roots going back to the revolutionary period.
Melissa B says
Thanks fir giving us this update! Good lyck with ruby fever. If you dont like it we will wait till you do ????
Karen says
Besides re reading your books and a couple of other authors, I discovered HERD. It’s an elephant orphanage in South Africa. They rescued a badly injured babe, wrapped in a snare. Suddenly a large group is focused on Khanyisa an albino as they fight to save her. Thousands of texts worldwide bringing us together, hoping she survives and the HERD accepts her. It helped all of us to focus on her fight and it’s been since 1/20 and she flourishes. So I hope to go there. Not sure they allow visitors but, I hope.
Pence says
Sorry to hear Ruby Fever is being unpleasant. Reading various authors blogs it sounds like you guys are not the only ones who have not been happy with what they were working on in the past year.
Best of luck with the painting. Years ago when my 70+ year old parents moved to Florida they spent the first week repainting the pink walls in their new house. My mother wrote to me that they kept having to remember that old people had lived there and so had to be charitable about their taste!
I’m looking forward to driving a whole hour to Quincy to get Dim Sum and go to a terrific Chinese grocery store there. Simple pleasures – but it will be a gentle way of easing myself back into civilization. I really want to go to a museum again. And maybe up to Maine.
Ginny says
I’m looking forward to getting a professional haircut for the first time in over a year! I am so sick of all the length, and I want to chop it off.
Dee Lynn says
Florida!! Hopefully in June – to Sarasota, siesta key, turtle beach – for nine glorious days, in a condo that faces the beach, and in the back there is the bay for fishing – with my husband, 14 y/o son, 79 y/o mother in law and 76 y/o aunt in law- they have already bought new swimsuits!! I’ve already started packing…
Smmoe1997 says
I’m looking forward to being able to go to concerts again, charity trivia nights, having my friends over for dinner and game nights. I’m hoping for normalcy, although I do have to admit I wish I wouldn’t have to go back into the office. I really like working from home, I’m so much more productive without the constant interruptions at the office.
Smmoe1997 says
I’m really sorry that Ruby Fever is causing you so much stress. Your books have been my go-to comfort reads throughout this pandemic. In fact I just finished another reread of Hidden Legacy today. (Burn for Me was the first Ilona Andrews book I ever read, so this series holds a special place in my heart.) I’m willing to wait as long as necessary for you to be in the right headspace to continue working on it. Take care of you and yours, those are the most important things. I’ll be preordering anything you produce in the meantime, an Ilona Andrews book never disappoints.
Mary Hook says
I’m looking at experiencing Amtrak travel. I’ve been an Agatha Christie fan since jr high, so have been fascinated by idea of trains for a very long time. There is a train called Coastal Starlight between LA and Seattle which is supposed to be one of best scenic route in the west. Also, there is a route to experience the Grand Cayon.
Happy Trails ????????
PS
I am watching YouTube about the Amtrak travel before spending the money ???? Much gratitude for this part of today’s world.
Pence says
Trains are the best. I want to take the trans Canada train someday.
Adam says
Whatever you have to do to get the product you want is good with most of your readers, I’m sure! If you need more time away from Ruby Fever, please take it. This year has been so horrible in so many ways, but you gave me one of the few bright spots with the Blood Heir that came out of nowhere. Thank you SO much for that.
Excited to find out more about the novella!
As for my plans, I finally got my second shot two weeks ago Tuesday, so I can finally see my sister and nieces again! It’s been so hard not seeing family and friends, but I’m a singer and if I caught covid and wasn’t able to sing…I just can’t imagine. It’s literally my job, too, soooo that…would be bad.
Stay safe and put yourself before your readers! We’re behind you 100%.
Sky Carpenter says
Plans? I have discovered I enjoy staying home, so I’m not going anywhere except to my greenhouse in the backyard. What am I going to do? Retire, read your books, garden, paint kindness rocks, and learn how to use the pellet barbeque and the front end loader on the garden tractor. ????
Karin says
I want to go shopping for new shoes. Not because I miss shoe shopping, but because I need new shoes and haven’t managed to buy a pair online that actually fits my weird feet.
What I do miss is visiting the local gardening center and just enjoy the plants and the flowers. As soon as the weather clears up, that’s where I want to go!
Kathi Moran says
I want to go everywhere all at once. Seriously, I’m coming out of this thing with a bum knee, extra weight, and a little agoraphobia… I need to exercise more, but have done something to my knee which is taking forever to feel better… just when I really want to get out more. We put off a trip to Germany just before the pandemic, because I lost my job, so I’m hoping to travel as soon as we can safely. I hate to hear that you hate Ruby Fever. I love reading your books, not sure how everyone else feels, but I’ll read anything you decide to write. I can’t imagine there is much joy in writing a book you are just not ‘feeling’ so in my mind, I would rather you wrote something you took joy in, rather than slog through something because you felt you owed it to me and other fans… of course your publisher and your agreements there are another issue. Jut wanted to say that I am pretty sure I’d read anything you put out there because I like how you tell a tale!
Momcat says
Hubbie and I are fully vaccinated, and up to speed on immunity. I have commenced the release from durance vile and isolation. We have had a visit from our daughter and son in law after two long years. We hugged and kissed. Sons and furkids are coming in two days. More hugging and kissing,probably including the dogs. I’m making plans for public contact volunteer work.” Full speed ahead and damn the torpedoes.”
Andrea Smith says
I’m taking a slow dipping my toes in the water approach. Am I the only person to come to the realization that interactions with groups of people are exhausting after a year of isolation with family?
I’d like to do take my family to a cabin on the lake to celebrate my sons graduating this year with limited guest(2). So proud of him graduating with with 2.5 years of college out of the way.
Here’s hoping team Andrews can find a clear headspace to finish Ruby Fever. Not going to lie, I’m really looking forward reading it after Ilona’s stamp of approval. I’m guessing the current Ruby Fever is kinda dark after a year of hellish isolation.
Cheryl says
I need that novella. Instead of reading all your series yet again, I forced myself to read the series from my other favorite author. All of them.
You mentioned you violently hate RF. How does Gordon feel about it? You weren’t happy with Ryder, pulled it out of free read and then produce yet another great story. Check into a hotel, turn off your phones, utilize the spa, order room service – Escape for a couple days. Shut off ordinary, drink adult beverages and do whatever pops into your mind.
Relax and be thankful that you don’t live in an all pink house. Somehow the two of you do really good writing when you get away from reality and writing.
Daphne says
I’ll second and third comments on NM. Very high vat rate and lots of fun things. Our daughter is getting married in Washington State in early September! Should be great fun ????
Debbie says
Oooh. Can’t wait to see what new book you have completed!
We are vaccinated and have planned a trip to a Cancun all-inclusive resort for our 40th anniversary in July. Fingers crossed that it happens. This will be our first “just swim and relax”kind of vacation. We usually travel and walk 12-15 miles a day site-seeing!
CHRISTIE BEST says
I will visit sister in Oregon.
I love Kate Daniels books. And Hidden Legacy books!! Sorry you’re having trouble with the book. I have been waiting impatiently for Catalina’s last book since the second book came out. LOL. Then I will wait impatiently for Arabella’s trilogy. Love your books. Sorry the haters are giving you grief. I think you guys are great. Thanks for sharing your wonderful world’s with us.
Katie Hobson says
I’m a Language Arts teacher, so my summer will be remodeling my living room while I don’t have work to grade. Taking it down to the studs and building it back in our 1871 home. Good luck with that pastel pink paint! I’ll be struggling with 100 year old wallpaper. I’m glad to hear you will be getting your shots. My 16-year-olds just get their first doses.
Carey says
All the best, I really love the Hidden Legacy series, so hope it clicks into place for you, I’m currently focused on puppy training, she is 12 weeks old ???? I will try and post a pic
Kate says
Hmm, almost afraid to think about pandemic days ending, until after they have. It’s strange to see the world so out of control, but I guess history tells us this is a periodic human experience. One thing, however, to read about ‘plagues’, another altogether to live through one.
Last year I had two little trips planned, a solo to Vancouver, with a play and a concert I was really looking forward to (and gosh, just the thought of sitting in the dark, so close to scads of strangers, is totally weird!), and a family week on the beach in Mexico. Both cancelled, but a friend and I did squeeze in a fall road trip to Banff & Jasper, so can’t complain. We came across a sweet deal on a little motorhome rental, and it seemed a reasonably safe way to travel. First time this recent senior had ever driven one and it was so fun!
I’ve also been having lots of fun dreaming of exotic trips and calling in travel books from the library to drool over. Portugal, Malta, Paris and a road trip to Alsace Lorraine to track down the great great great gparents.
(..been having some serious fun on Ancestry.com! Discovered two 3xg gfathers were on opposite sides of the Civil War, and one 2xg gpa appears to have been a serial bigamist. Every family’s got the loons!)
Oh, and Morocco is calling! Tangiers, of all places – why did I fix on that? I don’t know, but I reckon if I’m going to dream, I’ll dream big!
With any luck, the likeliest is the family Christmas in Houston we missed last year.
What a delightful & hopeful topic – thanks so much for suggesting it. I’ve really enjoyed reading all these replies: we’re all longing to see loved ones again.
Mar says
Thank you for that 40k novella. Twice as fun. Hope we see the finished edited product this year.
Lots of home projects. New roof due to leaks. May have to pay extra for water damages. remodel for a 70’s master bathroom. New exterior paint for the house. Change colors in master bedroom. Remodel family room.
Instead of international travel to Bahamas for diving and week long service projects at National parks, spending on house and taking mini breaks closer to home.
Nancy Balaun says
The side effects from the 2nd Moderna shot were pretty rough! My whole rowing team finally can start getting back in the big boats we love that make rowing the ultimate team sport. Once the pandemic is controlled, we are going back to racing our regattas all around the country!
Anne (Germany) says
Thankfully I am fully vaccinated as of Friday – AstraZeneca, as expected the first shot was…not fun (rather like 36 h of a really really bad cold with fever and everything). The second shot was rather non-spectacular. Even my arm does not hurt (which it ALWAYS does). Maybe a third shot with Biontech will follow due to Corona-mutations. I dream of going to a steak house with my husband. I dream of garlic bread, cole slaw salad and Filet Mignon. And playdates for my twins. They are 2 years old in 2 weeks and they know other children mainly from TV…that can’t be healthy.
Rita says
We are completely locked in Australia: no Covid, but no way out or in.
So as soon as our “covid curtain” is lifted, I am off to Europe for 3-4 months, or longer.
One thing I learned from this pandemic: never take your freedom for granted!
Ti Birchrose says
I’m getting my shot #2 next Sunday (yay!) and want to go to New Orleans for a few days this summer. And maybe a trip to Atlanta.
Mimi says
Travel to Salt Spring Island and hug my family!
Maria says
We are looking to book 2022 holiday as decided this year to stay in England, but next year sun in Cayman fingers crossed.
On book news sitting here waiting to hear what next is to be released 🙂
Kyrene says
Hi!
I hope this isn’t wildly out of place, but I was trying to figure out how to ask if you all do signed bookplates on request at all? I would love to be able to acquire a few for my books and wanted to ask.
Thank you
Ladybugging says
A month in Delaware in a VRBO so my 14 YO can finally get her 13th birthday present from last June, which was to spend a whole month with her cousins and family on my husband’s side. So excited! I’ll work every other week, take Vacations the off weeks and do something every weekend. My SIL isn’t working so will do fun things with the kids while I work. We live near my family so this is a great opportunity to spend time with his.
Funniest part of it is he doesn’t want to be away from home so long and is only joining us for two weeks. I’m letting him explain that to his mother, lol.
Ladybugging says
Replying to myself to add that I got my second vaccine 2 days ago, so excited to start life again soon!!! Not quite yet, but soon!
Abby says
Headed down to Macon, Georgia for my niece’s wedding this summer. Wishing I could ride a ley line!
Lara S. says
I usually travel internationally for work and I miss seeing the people we work with in person. It’s not the same on Zoom. My husband and I are both fully vaccinated and went out to dinner (as opposed to get carry out) for the first time in over a year and it felt DECADENT!!
Terri says
Got my 2nd moderna last Friday now I’m looking forward to my nieces wedding in June! I’m excited to see whatever you put out there for us. I love it all!!
Sydney Girl says
I really enjoy your blog. You always have interesting tidbits, funny life experiences and thought provoking ideas. For instance, I was completely blown away by the fact that amazon take money back from authors if people return their books!!! Gob smacked to say the least.
However, while I agree with the rest of your loyal fans in that your posts are funny, smart, entertaining and informative, it’s also the posts from your fans that also tickle my brain.
I love the responses almost as much as your posts, and I will be forever grateful to whoever posted about LettersLive. It’s in turn hilarious, beautiful, engaging, shocking and just fun.
Thank you for asking the question. Thank you for a forum to answer and explore. Thank you for listening (we know you do).
Interesting to read the most popular response was to hug our loved ones.
Virtual hugs for all the BDH and the lovely authors.
Melissa B says
You know i had a busy weekend and rather than find something new i will reread your Hidden Legacy books or Inn Keeper wait I did that two months ago. Hidden Legacy it is. Ha.
Ok i was watching something unimpressive on tv and i keep thinking your books would make great tv shows. Seriously. Your take on a post apocalyptic world is unique and ive never considered a vamp they way you two have. your sci fi edge with the Inn keeper series is fantastic and your Hidden Legacy ‘s concept is very unique. All your characters are deep and very relatable. Sigh. Well hollywood would probably screw things up. Anyway Thank you for your art and dedication and giving us hours of enjoyable reading.
Madlen says
I can’t understand the Catalina haters – she’s one of my favorite characters! Well, maybe because I reread her books last:D
I love how you have shown her character development – first getting to know her as the little sister from Nevada’s perspective, then the first steps in Diamond Fire until she’s ready to take over!
So excited to see how her story continues – but obvs happy to wait for however long it takes, especially as I now have the mystery novella to look forward to!
Margaret R says
I hate it when readers try to “drive” the story. If you want to write the story, go do it on fanfic.
Cayenna says
It must just not be time for Ruby Fever. Personally, I can wait because the wait is worth it!
I work in child welfare so I’m fully vaccinated & it’s amazing.
I’m going to NYC (see my BFF), Denali Park Alaska (brother, his fam, & our parents), camping in Utah (Dad), & planning 2 cousin family reunion trips one in Door County, WI & the other in Colorado somewhere. I live near Denver.
In short, reconnecting with loved ones, lots of hugs, lots of laughter (I get help planning so it’s actually fun for me), and lots of time reveling in this beautiful world we live in.
We quarantined hard due my son’s asthma and mother-in-law’s health/age. It has been a hard year but made so much brighter by your books. There were so many days that I was transported to a more hopeful place by listening to your stories & was inspired to be more like Kate or Nevada.
Sending love & virtual hugs to you both and the family. It’ll all get done.
Laurie says
I know this is late, but since you posted the “Texas Castles” in a previous blog, I just had to share this listing with other readers. It popped up today in the San Antonio Real Estate Section. And NO, I am not a real estate agent and could only dream of ever owning a home like this. Made me laugh though, it seems so out of place in the Texas hill country. I thought your other readers might enjoy it.
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/119-Private-Road-1820-Clifton-TX-76634/2072829497_zpid/
Ms. Kim says
Oh wow. I love it so much! But which character, in any of the Ilona Andrews worlds, should live in it? It is so great!!! It needs a story.
Betty says
Im gonna visit my sister in California in July..thats about it for my summer…on another note i love your kitty,he looks so regale!
Mysticmoods says
I lost one of my sisters to pancreatic cancer in November after a two-year battle. Then one of my brothers-in-law was recently diagnosed with it. It brought home to me that time is not to be wasted, and that the most sensible decision is not necessarily the best decision. I turn 69 this year, and my hubby just turned 70. We’re both in reasonably good health and (finally!)have our COVID shots.
So I told my man we’re going to go ahead and buy that travel trailer we’ve been dithering about for the past three years. Used, but I found a late model TT that’s perfect for us. He can tour/hike national parks, and I can write in the wee hours without keeping him awake. What about it being more economical and more comfortable to use hotels? he asked. Sometimes it’s not about the money or being sensible. Sometimes it’s about the adventure.
Florence Punch says
I plan on waiting for the next Innkeeper lol
Heather Mace says
First trip out is a visit to the hubby’s mom and stepdad. We haven’t seen them since the pandemic started and we want to be there for Mother’s day.
Also Ruby Fever… Yay!!! We’re cheering for you!
You should start a thread for people to tell you how much they love Catalina. 🙂
Wave says
We are (adults at least) all vaccinated, My daughter and I will be going to a wedding in the fall. A road trip from California to South Carolina, it will be fun!
Neal Bravin says
We are heading up to the Sedona Jerome and Cottonwood area tomorrow for 3 days of birding shopping and eating out (1st outing in over year) no punctuation needed stay safe and give this old man a clue about the next innkeeper that is a favorite just keep it quirky ( I think it’s anniversary 42 the answer to everything )
Ms. Kim says
On 26 Jul departing Cape Canaveral for a 4 day cruise on Mariner of the Seas (Royal Caribbean). Going with Canasta card ladies.
Ms. Kim says
Is Ruby Fever going to get into Leon more? I really, really like Leon and want to know more about him, and a path for him. It seems he has tactical and perhaps strategic gifts? Would shooting be his passive field?
Tara says
I just want to hug the family we havent seen in two years ????????♀️????
Lynne says
I am FINALLY going to visit my grandchildren in Atlanta! It’s a 15 hour trip that I have done in February’s past but missed the 2019 one, planned for Mar’ 2020 (and look how that turned out) and pushed off the 2021 trip until all vaccines are complete. Also, my mom’s funeral…she died last December (not unexpected) in AL and will be buried in CT with a celebration of her life in June.
Pam says
Short term goal: practise with my dance team. No way to stay 6 feet apart, so we haven’t danced together since December 2019. My partner is the last one to get vaccinated, and she just got her 2nd shot. Can’t wait for June!
Long term goal: see the folks as soon as Dad is ok with me flying cross country. I’m ok with it, but he’s super nervous about the variants popping up, so it probably won’t happen until he can get a booster shot. Which will make it close to 2 years between in person visits. Zoom is great, but I’m soooo tired of it
kat w says
Hopefully, I will have a new consulting job in Africa. Sierra Leone and Rwanda have been proposed. The Gambia was offered, but I don’t speak French fluently, so that is a non-starter. Been on the bench here in the US since March 2020. Need to get back to work.
Ruta says
Once I can get vaccinated (likely October, yay Ireland) I’ll kiss everyone I care about on the mouth and move to the tropics.
Katie says
I am going to go back home and hug my Grandmére sometime in the next month. We are all finally vaxxed and I have not seen her in person in over a year. I cried the day I got my second shot, bc it means I am in reach of seeing my aunts and uncles and cousins. The only member of my huge family I have seen in a over year has been my mom. I miss all of them so much. We live 9 hours away right now and may be moving overseas by the end of the summer so our upcoming visit is so precious to me. I will finally be able to go back to my father’s grave, which is in the same town. Every time I think of it I get emotional. I crave seeing my family like I crave water right now.
LindaR says
Why do you hate Ruby Fever? If you have explained before, I missed it.
Sarie says
My eldest is almost seven, and immunocompromised – she’s been in pretty much isolation from other kids for a year. It has not been fun. We totally plan on taking her everywhere we all avoided- parks with all the play time ever, Dollywoood, the Aquarium, Zoo, Kids Museum, the family cruises everyone skipped…all of it. I want to see my kid laughing and screaming, acting like a id with other kids again.