Heat Wave...

Timing. It's such a crucial thing in any person's life - and for me it's no different.

Right now, I'm sitting downstairs in my outside she (where we park the cars) as our house is being sprayed. That doesn't sound too bad, does it? Except when I booked this, little did I even think they would do it in the middle of a heatwave.

So here I am... droplets of sweat trickling down my back with a grouchy cat, a sad dog and a throughly peeved teenager to keep me company.

Thank heavens for my trusty Mac.

But, as they say on the commercials...

Wait! There's more!

Oh yes, the paying day job has some work that needs doing this week... and files arrived last night for coding and uploading...

Annnndddd.... Edits for The Illuminated Witch turned up too....

Oh and I have to make the round trip to collect the oldest from work (and yes, she is driving.)

In Australia we are suffering from extended periods of severe to extreme heat waves - At the moment, where I am, it's in the severe category...with the possibility it could reach extreme. We are hoping for rain, but that's a looooong way off.

But I am thankful for small mercies... At least so far we haven't had any snakes :)

Well anyway, I just thought I'd log in and let you know what I'm up to... As always, I'm busy but loving my writing job!

Imogene

Summer Is Nearly Here!

Summer is on the way.   

I can’t believe the amazing change in the weather over the last few weeks.  It went from brutally cold every night to so hot, that we need to water to keep the vegetables in the garden alive…

Summer storms are coming with increased frequency and it’s hard to get by, already without an air conditioner.  But this also means the lead up to the festive season.  So in honour of that, I made the Christmas cake last weekend.  It’s now sitting in the fridge and in a week or two, it’ll go into an airtight container with a fair dollop of brandy to soak in.  Never say my cakes aren’t horrendously alcoholic. <g>

It also means a short term of school for my girls and Christmas parties, Secret Santa’s and all sorts of “leading up to Christmas fol-de-rol”, ordering presents and house cleaning.  (Not my favourite job)

 

One fun thing though, is I signed up for another Secret Cravings Publishing blog comp.  So in the next few days, you too can go into the running to win a copy of my latest title – Star of the Fleet, featuring Kera and Gustav. 

How do I win that awesome prize I hear you ask…?

Answer my riddle, with the name of where I live…  Leave your answers together with your email address.

I live in the land of the Snowy River (Now there is a massive hint)

In the state that is always sunny and it has a royal connection (Another huge hint)

They tell us the sun is always shining in my state

My town is known for citrus…

So, just where do I live?

Remember, comment in the box with the correct answer , to go in the running.

Rules:

(a)The winner will be announced on the 8^th October, so please remember to leave your email address for me.    Remember to also leave a comment on the blog, to say you have visited. 

(b)Only your first entry will count. You could enter five or six times, but we will only accept your first entry, so think hard before you email your answer J

(c)We are strictly closing entries at 12.00pm (midnight) on 8^th October (EST – that is AU)

(d)Visit www.secretcravingspublishing.blogspot.com for the list of other participants.  Remember, the more blogs you visit, the better your chances of winning prizes… and there are a few of us running blogs.

(e)The winner is the one who either correctly nominates the Town or the town nearest to where I live.  The answer will be chosen at random from correct entries. 

Winter/Summer what's the difference?

Man...it's freezing again today. They tell us that the temps are going to start dropping again this week. I knew it was too good to be true. *sigh*

Meanwhile, I am reliably informed, it's sweltering in New York. But right about now, I'd settle for Spring weather. Actually I settle for 10 degrees warmer, even. I can't seem to feel my toes half the time...

But today's blog is more a quick look at the way weather plays a funny part in Australian authors lives vs those living in the UK and USA.

Last month I participated in the Science Fiction Romance Brigades Summer Solstice Blog Hop (which is really funny because I was freezing my patooties off here while putting it together) and I am due to participate in a Summer Scavenger Hunt soon (right smack dab in the middle of winter - frosts and all!) Yes, for us here in Australia it is mid winter. So I'm writing scenes and blogs about summer while wearing my usb warming gloves. Usually while sitting in the warmest winter 'jamas I own, in bed.

5 major differences:

Food:

Salads and Barbeques vs Casseroles, Roasts and Fresh Bread

Clothes:

Bikinis, Shorts and Sarongs vs Jumpers, thermals and bed socks (don't forget the mittens!!)

Drinks:

Ice Cold Tea and Milkshakes vs Hot Chocolate (but the marshmallows help)

Activities:

Swimming & reading beachside vs board games inside & romantic fireside interludes

Shoes:

FlipFlops (Thongs) and sneakers vs Boots and warm slippers

Soo... yes, I will be thinking slightly envious (and warming) thoughts of you all over there, while I quietly turn into an ice block over here...

And to news...

Starburst is finally complete (well, sort of...) It's still horrendously rough, but the bones are there now. Next week... when it's warmer... when the kids go back to school... Nope, I won't be procrastinating here...much :)



But it feels pretty good to be able to say it :) So that episode of my life is closing - there only being one short story to go... and then that universe is complete.

Imogene

Midwinter In Queensland & Summer blogs.

You know, I am participating in Midsummer blog hops...the SCP Summer Scavenger Hunt... and it is the cold midwinter here.  I am currently sitting in bed with warm socks, warm pajamas and my dog snoring at the end of the bed.

It seems funny, that somehow, somewhere, in the northern hemisphere they are wearing shorts and flip flops and basking in the warming rays of the sun.  Today, was wet, drizzling and overcast... Tomorrow we are going to reach the heights of around 9 degrees ... in Fahrenheit that is something like 48.2. By any standard that is cold. (Trust me if I had icicles to put into the font, I would!)  Oh and the temps are still dropping.  Gulp.

So...where will you find me in June?  Maaann... I am actually going to have a slightly quieter month.  I am participating in the SFRB Midsummer Blog Hop (in the middle of winter), gearing up for the Secret Cravings Scavenger Hunt and my group of friends from Hotter Than Hades and I are running our first competition and you get to participate.

Apart from that, I will be on my Facebook page.  Oh yes, and the next set of edits for the Star of the Fleet should be arriving soon.  :)

But to keep you looking, I thought I would share a lovely picture that epitomizes for me what I am missing in winter:

 

This is Fraser Island in summer.

As the crow flies (ie in a roughly straight line) about 200-250km (125-155 miles) away...Look at those beaches and the beautiful blues and greens.  

However, here in Gayndah, frosts are the go each morning as the cattle moo and low on the wind.  Even the birds are later rising. 

Well, I hope that gives you an insight into where I live and the cool/cold/freezing winters.

Until next time...

Imogene.