We’ve been having some lovely weather this week and it’s been quite warm. It’s been lovely going down to the riverside with the dogs and enjoying the sunshine and the view. The swans are here. They come every year in spring and then again in the autumn. They stay for a few weeks (as if they are waiting for their friends) then move on – north in the spring, south in the autumn. It’s really lovely to see them, they are such beautiful birds. Nobody bothers them and they just hang about, resting until they have to move on again.

So, how have you been? I’ve been busy working again. I’m currently working out the storylines of a couple of novels. I’m also putting the finishing touches to Loch Ness. It’s out in less than two weeks… yay!!

I was out pottering in the garden today, clipping things and pulling brambles and ivy out. I’ve got a LOT of work to get the garden back to something that’ll be nice to sit in, but that’s okay. I’m going to do a little bit every day. I did attempt to cut the grass today, but failed miserably. Our old lawnmower went kaput the other week so I bought a cheap replacement. It’s not great. I managed to do about a third of the front garden and it refused to work any more. Couldn’t get it working. Started to put it away, decided to test it again and it worked. So, I abandoned the grass cutting in a fit of pique and will pick it up again tomorrow. Sigh.

Books I have been reading:  Grit by Angela Duckworth. It’s a look at how and why people with high levels of grit do better in life. She looks at several examples, including research she has carried out herself. It’s an interesting book, especially if you enjoy reading about the psychology of why people are the way they are, and well written.

I’m also reading: Payback Phoenix Style by Susan Horsnell. It’s the first in a series about a secret kick-ass group of women who act as vigilantes, taking out evil dictators and other nasties across the world. I’ve only just started it and am really enjoying it. I’ve got another couple in the series to read. Apart from enjoying the books, the reason why I’m reading these is because I’m bringing out a book in the series in August. This will be my next book after Loch Ness and it’s called Dance of Death.

Here’s the cover for it. Can’t wait to get started. This will be what I’ll be working on for the next month.

Right, so I’ve brought you right up-to-date with what’s been happening lately. I’m going to go now. Until next time.

Dawn x