I've been enjoying the warm, lazy days of summer, although I won't be unhappy when fall weather arrives.

First, I finished Down a Dark Path and sent it to my editor. In the evenings, I looked forward to reading Jodi Taylor's fascinating time travel series that begins with Just One Damned Thing after Another. I finished the seventh book and also most her short stories with the same characters and am hoping she's writing an eighth book.

Twice my Kindle gave me a fright. I thought it was dying, so I ordered a new Kindle Paperwhite from Amazon. I'd be lost without a Kindle, having read all of my paperbacks and hardcovers, although I could always start re-reading old favorites. However, who knew Paperwhite would operate like my iPhone? I'm still getting used to the difference.

It hasn't been easy. For example, I was planning to read the last of Taylor's short stories, The Great St Mary's Day Out, but couldn't find it on either Kindle. (New purchases are delivered to Dorothy's second Kindle.) Amazon won't let me buy it (again) because they tell me I already purchased it. I'm trying to find my around this conundrum. All I want to do is read this story. This is all part of the fun (?) of getting used to new technology.

I have certain favorite paperbacks that I've held on to for years. Now their pages are yellow and their print too small. One of the delights of the Kindle World is often being able to download a special book, as I just did with Jan Wescott's The Queen's Grace. There is nothing like those wonderful long historical novels of the 1950's.

Enough about technology.

The Mists of Huron Court is receiving positive feedback from readers, and I'm encouraged by the people who took advantage of the Smashwords July promotion to download #1, Darkness at Foxglove Corners. There's a new review on Amazon of Darkness and three for The Mists of Huron Court. This is encouraging because I rarely receive reviews, probably because I don't ask for them.

On August 6th, I wrote the first chapter of a new book, working title, The Crying Collie. As I write this, I'm on Chapter 5. Over the past few days we've had some much needed rain, so everything is looking fresher for us. Then there's Louisiana. I'm so sorry to read about the flooding in Louisiana where I have many relatives. I can't imagine losing your possessions, to say nothing of your life, to water.

By this time of the year I lose interest in my yard. I'm not a fall gardener, never plant tulip bulbs, and with a whole summer haven't managed to get rid of all the weeds.

Kinder started digging around the porch again. I've tried to discourage her by putting road blocks in her way-a rake, a flower pot, extra bricks and even a patio stone. Nothing stops her. She's convinced that something is living there and I'm afraid to speculate what it is. I can't see any evidence of life, but a dog usually knows.

She might just inspire one of Jennet's collies to do the same thing.

I hope you all enjoy the last weeks of summer and I'll be back in September, hopefully with news of Down a Dark Path.