Rabbits, squirrels, flies & earwigs – OH MY!
This summer I feel as if Biblical plagues have been wished upon us. First a hoard of squirrels descended on our flower beds where they rooted out our gladiola bulbs. Next a host of rabbits snuck into our garden – despite it being fenced – where they gnawed on our brussel sprout and cauliflower plants and reduced our spinach to stubble. Next the house was filled with moribund flies, scores of them. One day I killed as many as 83, the next 47. Not long after we began noticing a plethora of earwigs in and around our garden, our hottub and disgustingly, our kitchen sink. I am nervously waiting the next plague to arrive. If you are unfamiliar with earwigs, they are slender half inch long, black, creepy-crawlies that have a demon like appearance with devil horns growing out their rear end. Stupid earwigs.
Stupid Squirrels!
Stupid Rabbits!
Stupid Flies!
Stupid, stupid, stupid, earwigs!
Felt good to get that off my chest. Other than that, things are going swimmingly. I received, if I did not previously mention it, an advanced copy of my game design, FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN. It is a tabletop game based on the battle of South Mountain which preceded and led to the Battle of Antietam. We live a half hour from the battle site and having visited the area many times, I long ago submitted a design on the conflict to Legion Games. It is only now seeing the light of day. Components look great, I am proud of the final package.
At the same time, I am proof-reading the advance copy of FIRE EATERS, the 2nd book in my Snakebit Series, received just last week. The novel will be released by Fireship Publishing this coming October. Whereas book one set the scene for the war by describing the extent of national unrest, book two ignites the fuse that sets off the explosion leading to three quarters of a million American deaths and unnumbered amputees. As I read I am impressed by how far I’ve come. I am now writing the final chapters of book nine covering the last stage of the war. I am eagerly looking forward to writing about the Reconstruction that follows – so little historical fiction is found there.
Speaking of the series. I was scheduled for another reading at our local bookstore out on the Square yesterday. It was a mixed blessing. To begin with, the owner had done little promotion and when I arrived I expected to do my reading outdoors but since it looked like rain, I was moved indoors to a back room where a power outage had just done away with my illumination. Long story short, no one came and during my allotted time, I chose to sit outside in my top hat and read the advanced copy of FIRE EATERS referred to above, to myself. While doing so I was proselytized by three separate groups of wandering missionaries. All of whom were nice enough and politic enough to show an interest in the Civil War. Ah well …
Having done my time at the bookstore, I received a summons. I needed to take off my top hat and put on my docent hat. Monterey Gap Museum and Battlefield, where I volunteer, had an emergency and needed someone to fill in and shut down. Jumping my car, I sped east and ten minutes later relieved the couple who had eagerly been awaiting my arrival. It was a slow afternoon. I continued to read until four visitors arrived.
One couple, who had passed many times, admitted it was their first time in the museum. I gave a brief overview of the battle history. They found it intriguing. Most people do for the three days of Gettysburg have long overshadowed the fourth day ant Monterey Pass. Another visitor was also new to the museum. All three promised to return. The fourth happened to be a frequent visitor. He was an elderly Vietnam veteran and Huey pilot, who flew many dangerous missions and was ultimately shot down. I thanked him profusely for his service and his sacrifice. I have learned that visitors who come to hear our stories, often tell their own stories just as good and better than our own. We love hearing them. And in the end isn’t that what you are doing … listening to my stories. Thanks for taking the time to do so.
Stupid Squirrels!
Stupid Rabbits!
Stupid Flies!
Stupid, stupid, stupid, earwigs!