Happy 4th and All That

Happy Independence Day to everyone celebrating the day in the U.S. I never go anywhere for the 4th of July because of the heat. I couldn’t travel even if I wanted to, as today marks two months since my deep brain stimulation surgery. The neurostimulator has been active for three weeks and the stimulation is still very much a work in progress.

I still take morning neighborhood walks to help me think and help with the pain (somewhat), but going to parades or fireworks is out of the question. I'm happy to see parade photos from the local paper, and it wouldn't be the Sierra foothills without an extremist group as one of the participants. I can see the annual July 3rd fireworks from what's now the family room window since my mom retired from her daycare business in May.

I'm glad to have book work to keep me occupied. I'm working on three custom Dummies books – small books that companies hire Wiley (the publisher) to produce that the companies can use as marketing and reference tools. One book is being reviewed by the client, I'm writing the second book now, and the third book will get underway next week.

What's more, my editor at Wiley is excited about a new general audience book, and she said she'll likely have good news next week. I'll share that news when the contract is signed. I'll also post more here once I get these custom Dummies books off my plate.

I'm relieved that temperatures here are seasonal this weekend, but when it's cooler out west, it means temperatures are hot out east (and vice versa). If you're in the eastern half of the country, I hope you're staying cool and hydrated, and enjoy your weekend!