No snow today, either, but Wayne and I aren't complaining. After a signing at a Seattle Costco this afternoon, we're driving to eastern Washington to celebrate Wayne's mother's 90th birthday. Marie Macomber is an incredible mother-in-law, and I'm so blessed to be part of the family. She married Wayne's father during World War II, and when Frank went off to war, she returned home to live with her parents. Wayne's father was injured and died shortly thereafter. Marie, at 90, is still in the same house where her parents once lived. To this day she gardens, plays bingo and quilts. My husband is an animal lover, and he gets it quite naturally from his mother, who has no less than five inside cats and at least a dozen feral ones she feeds. We're off to honor Marie and wish her the best birthday of her life.

The weatherman predicted up to six inches of snow and advised the entire Puget Sound area should prepare as if it were the approach of Armageddon. Wayne and I were right there with them, putting together stockpiles of food and water, and revving up the generator in case we lost electricity, which is often the case. I added an extra blanket to the bed and made a huge batch of black bean soup. Mittens and scarves were all set out and ready for the snowman building with the grandkids, and guess what . . . no snow. Not a single flake fell at our house. Not one – at least not one that lasted until morning. We woke to rain and disappointment. You've never seen such gloomy faces. Wayne and I were both grumbling this morning. Ah well, there's always tomorrow . . .

Elves are at my office this morning, decorating for Christmas. Unfortunately, my dear friend, Debbie Sundberg, who has decorated both the house and office for years, isn't here. The reason . . . a camel bit her. You read that right. A camel, right here in good ole Washington state. Apparently, Debbie is boarding the camel for her church to use in their Christmas program, and he/she/it got a bit perturbed when Debbie attempted to put on the halter, and the camel sunk its teeth into Debbie's upper arm. Debbie's seeing the doctor this morning. I realize this really isn't a laughing matter, but this is just too good. I really need to use this in a book, don't you think?

I was feeling a bit melancholy this morning: this will be the first Thanksgiving without Mom. The two of us always enjoyed cooking together. It was our thing. I have fond memories of me holding onto the turkey and her piling in the moist bread. I just don't know if I can make my stuffing nearly as tasty as her’s.

Flipping through my journal this morning, I read about Thanksgiving last year. I had no idea it would be our last one together. Then, as the tears filled my eyes, I thanked God for blessing me with wonderful parents. In that moment, there alone in my kitchen, I felt confident that Mom, and Dad, too, will be with us this Thanksgiving; confident that we would feel their presence far more than their absence.

I was in the grocery store yesterday afternoon. The aisles were like freeways at rush hour with carts darting in and out. Honestly, stores would be well advised to install traffic signals at the ends of the aisles. Still, it was all rather fun. A festive mood was in the air, and I swerved around people exchanging recipes and appetizer ideas.

Three of our four children and their families will be home for Thanksgiving, and everyone is contributing to the dinner. I love these family get-togethers with the grandkids racing around. I always had such fun with my cousins—still do. I have another busy day today, but tonight I'm digging through my recipe books, looking for that elusive wild rice dish I can't seem to find.

I'm back from the library event in Henderson, NV, where I had a truly amazing weekend. I met a number of incredible Debbie readers and enjoyed visiting with them at the autographing and the Christmas Tea.

I was in the office bright and early this morning and found an e-mail from my friend, Kelly Regan. I've mentioned Kelly before—she's the one with the big hair. Kelly passed on a Thanksgiving tip: Spread a large white tablecloth over the table and then, as the guests arrive, have them each write on the tablecloth – using permanent markers – five things for which they are grateful (Just be sure the ink doesn't bleed through to the other side and onto the table.) Then at dinnertime, ask each guest to read out loud the thankful quotes near their seat. Put the date on it and save. I'd like to add that each guest should sign their name, too.

Have a great Monday. I'm off to shop turkey as soon as I'm finished writing this afternoon.

Before the holidays begin, I have one more business trip. I leave in the morning for Henderson, Nevada, a suburb of Las Vegas, for a big library event. My writing pal, Robyn Carr, has arranged for me to appear at the Henderson library for a Christmas Tea that is part of Robyn's "Carr Talk" program, where she interviews the author in a lively audience participation format. I’ll also be participating in an evening reception and a booksigning.

It's a wonderful opportunity to meet and greet readers before the holidays turn my focus primarily to my family. Although Wayne doesn't accompany me on most of my business travels, he usually jumps at the chance to go to Vegas, so he’ll be joining me. Like Wayne, I love Las Vegas. I admit to having a weakness for video poker machines and for . . . libraries, of course.

I'm venturing into beautiful downtown Seattle this afternoon to meet with visiting royalty. Actually, they are friends from New York, but I intend on treating them like the Queens of . . . well Queens. Remember, Wednesdays are my days not to write.

Today I have an interview with the Wenatchee newspaper, because I'll be in Leavenworth (Washington, not Kansas!) shortly after the first of the month and then lunch with a dear friend who's currently going through her second bout with cancer. Then, with my knitting in hand, I'm off to catch a ferry to Seattle.

Did I mention I wrote a piece for Guideposts magazine? The article is out this month. In it I tell the story of how I got started writing and how difficult it was for me to sell my first novel. They did a nice job of it, but I dislike my photograph. I should have known. They sent a wildlife photographer to take my picture. That says everything, doesn't it? Nevertheless, I've been getting some really nice feedback from Guideposts readers. If you get a chance, check it out.

I'm back from a fabulous trip to California, where I was treated like royalty. My friends, the Shiepes, took me to tour the Huntington Library and Gardens, and I was utterly enthralled. I want gardens like this. Seeing that my mother's name was Rose, and my daughter and granddaughter were named after her, it seems fitting that I fill my yard with roses.

Besides visiting with the Shiepes, I spoke to the Orange County chapter of Romance Writers of America with my agent, Irene Goodman. This RWA chapter is one of my favorites in the entire country. But, it's good to be home and sleeping in my own bed again. I can't get too comfortable, though, as I'm traveling again this weekend. Details to follow.