Words Written: ALNM none yet, but I’m off to get some done
Writing Stats: got my RWA packet; still need to join the LA group and the erotica and paranormal online groups

I went up to the Rivendell Lavender Farm this morning with a bunch of friends (mostly the local SCA group’s herbal guild). The highlight was the lavender labyrinth, which we all walked. (I meditated on leaving behind illness and pain, and taking in strength and healing.) It’s a bit early for full lavender, so although there were some gorgeous bushes, the full visual impact of the labyrinth wasn’t there. The spiritual impact was there in full force, though! We also took a walk through the avocado orchard and came home with a fruit I keep forgetting the name of. Something like cheraboa. Avocado-like on the outside, creamy on the inside with a taste sort of like mango custard.

You can see my friend Lynn’s pictures here. I haven’t had time to put mine up yet, but they’re strikingly similar!

Afterwards a group of us went to Tottenham Court, where I had a salad niçoise rather than another high tea. Still very yummy, especially with a pot of tea to accompany it.

After that I came home, showered, and took a stroll with my folks through the historic district. (Ken left when we did to go to a talk by a long-distance bike rider.) We picked up Baja Fresh for dinner, and I spent the evening helping my mom learn her new computer. Which in itself is something of a story, perhaps not entirely fascinating to anyone else. Short version: We’d ordered me a new iBook and were going to give her my two-year-old one, because the new one had features I’d use (networking and Bluetooth stuff) that she wouldn’t. But when she got here, we realized what she really needed was a 14-inch iBook. So we trundled off to the Mac store in TO yesterday and she picked up just that. So now I have my slightly older iBook to sell, once my new one arrives. Of course, I’m madly passionately slaveringly in love with the black MacBooks (sleek and shiny and sexy, and matches my iPod!), but I’ll just have to suck it up. :-)

Also yesterday, we went to a new Italian place for supper (within walking distance) and pronounced it very good. Great service with friendly, efficient waitstaff, too. We also picked up ice cream at Coldstone Creamery. Gooooood stuff.

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In other news, I’m going to Cleveland on Thursday. Betcha didn’t see that one coming! Styx is doing a show with an orchestra there, and I believe it’ll be filmed for DVD. The tickets went on sale when I was pretty much out flat, and I didn’t realize anyone I knew was going until recently. Tani found someone with second-row ticket, and I just need to sort out my flights; hotel and car are already arranged by the other folks going.

I just wish I’d get the contract for ALNM so I can start writing concerts off on taxes!

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Currently Reading: Kushiel’s Dart, Jacqueline Carey
Lately Listened To: the tapping of computer keys
Recently Watched: CSI: NY