Updates and Ditherings

This summer has been filled with loads of work and play, writing and research. Ok, more research than writing. I have been reaching out to many other enthusiasts of the time period and events that my book is set in this summer, and have received fantastic responses.

It is amazing at how others who have a passion for a topic will reach out to those that have an interest in learning more about that topic. Those that have leant their guidance and wisdom have come from no fewer than 22 states in the U.S. and 11 countries outside of the U.S.

Also, I distributed the opening chapter to a handful of trusted readers, from which I received good feedback. I am definitely on the right track with this project given how everything is falling into place. I have a ton of research left to do on the book topic, but this will only serve to better the authenticity of the setting, the characters, and the plot. The character sketches are completed, as is the general outline of the book. This winter will be full speed ahead!

On some other topics, the “Hike for Play” (http://www.hikeforplay.com) redesign is going well, and I am planning on launching the new version of this site for the holidays. My next article in “Wisconsin Natural Resources” magazine (http://dnr.wi.gov/wnrmag/) is slated for either the February 2013 or April 2013 issue, editor article selection pending.  I haven’t had much to post on “Raising Our Humans” (http://www.raisingourhumans.com) or “Sports Profiles” (http://sportprofiles.wordpress.com/), but updates and new articles are in the works for this and should be out by mid to late fall.

This has been a great summer, despite the heat and the drought. We have spent a lot of time at farmer’s markets in the area, and joined a CSA that has been a great experience. I highly recommend a CSA for anyone that is into good quality food. Our CSA costs us about $20 a week for a bushel full of organic goodness. When we compare what we get in our basket at the local grocery stores, we’re seeing an average of a $55 for the same items we get for $20. The food we get from both the farmer’s markets and the CSA lasts 3-4 times as long as the food at the supermarkets. This is something everyone should look into doing. In our area, there are a handful of winter farmer’s markets to fill in the gap until next spring. These markets have tons of choices, lots of cellar storable veggies, as well as greenhouse thriving foods. Just a suggestion…