It’s that time of year. We’re packing to move back to Florida.

I’ll confess it’s time to leave. Chautauqua Institution, which hosts thousands during the summer but now, empty and silent, reminds me of that sad moment when you realize the party is over, the guests have departed, and you’ve been left alone to set the house to rights again.

We had three reasons for staying late this year.

1. As much as I love Florida the leaves never change. I wanted to see a beautiful autumn, and I have.
2. I wanted more time with my children and grandchildren, especially with Halloween right around the corner. That’s on the menu for tomorrow.
3. Finally, I wanted to sign books at the Buckeye Book Fair, in Wooster Ohio on November 2nd. I remember a time earlier in my career when an invitation to sign at Buckeye was a giant pat on the publishing back. So with that opportunity dangled in front of me this year, how could I drive right by?

An aside about Buckeye:

If you can get to Buckeye, do. It’s close to a hundred Ohio authors signing all kinds of wonderful books, many perfect for Christmas gifts. The book fair is held at Fisher Auditorium from 9:30-4 on November 2nd, but go early so you don’t miss your favorite authors. Books sell out and authors get exhausted. Some of my best writing buddies will be with me, including Casey Daniels/Kylie Logan.

As we pack for our Florida home, we’re taking care of a million details. Changing addresses, notifying the plumber who will drain our pipes, notifying the awning company to drape our porches so the snow doesn’t collect and destroy them. We’re cooking and eating everything left in the freezer and fridge, and by the time you get this we’ll be on our way.

Looking back is always fun. We’ve had a spectacular year.

Here are a few favorite moments:

We traveled a lot more than usual, but today when I asked Proman what his single favorite memory of one day might be, he came up with the same one I did. A morning when we walked between Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row in Monterey, California and happened upon seals right beside the Coast Guard station dock. Seals, sunshine, scuba divers.

A perfect morning among many adventures.

A few new summer/fall favorites before I finish packing?

1. While clearing the freezer I found salmon last night, so I tried this recipe for Honey Sriracha Salmon which is beyond spectacular. We served it with another fabulous recipe for coconut lime quinoa. So glad I had to clear the fridge and that I had all the ingredients.
2. This summer in addition to regular symphony concerts, we heard a stand up comedian who was new to us. Maria Bamford was sensational and we were lucky to have that honor.  We also heard Judy Collins who still hits the high notes without flinching, Diana Ross who is still gorgeous, and the Beach Boys who always bring down the Chautauqua amp.
3. I developed a brand new appreciation for Buffalo, NY, which is really a wonderful city. A weekend getaway there was my birthday gift, and I loved every minute. (Especially wings at the Anchor Bar where they were first created.)
4. We added another Hawaiian island to our list, enjoying a week in Maui at the beautiful Wailea Beach Resort where they couldn’t do enough for us.
5. My brainstorming friends came to visit, along with friends from Sarasota, and our youngest son and family. We hosted our seven year old grandson by himself for a week. When asked recently if he wants to come back next year, he looked at me with a serious expression and said: “What’s not to like about Chautauqua?’

What was not to like about our summer and fall? I can’t think of a thing.

I hope yours was equally wonderful and you had a lot of favorite moments to cherish.

I’ll be traveling next week, but I’ll blog again just as soon as I’m home and my computer is up and running. I have news about reissues in January, February, and March and maybe some peeks at the book in progress now.

I’ll see you then!