Yes, I set aside an entire week to work on the new novel which needs to be completed by late fall. And yes, that week is just about over. And yes, chapter 7 is just about completed. And what chapter was I on when the allotted week began? Hmmm... let me think. Oh, wait, I remember: Chapter 7!

Jesus Crikey!

Well, okay, I hadn't anticipated Hurricane Ike. And yes, trying to restore order to both my front and backyards is taking forever. But I took an awful lot of meetings this week, with 2 more to go. Why do I do this -- overbook my time? Why am I always so surprised to discover that I'm once again in schizo-brain land? Thinking I'm doing one thing when, in reality, I am doing another? (I take great meetings, though, in case you were curious. Amazing things happen when I take meetings. Well, except, of course, that novels don't get written...)

Well, today -- all of it, the entire thing into the dark night -- is set aside for the novel. I really, seriously, better be well into chapter 8 before you see me here again, gang, or I'm going to... Well, I don't know, scream, I suppose.

This is also my apology to the very many of you out there who are awaiting replies to your emails. I'm getting there... Have a great day, gang, wherever you are.