August Newsletter 2011

Vol. 02 Num. 44

Happy August:

My husband and I visited Kauai the beginning of the month. As most of you know, about 80% of Kauai is inaccessible, so a helicopter ride is a must. We did the "open door" helicopter, which means you're hanging out there and can almost reach out and touch the Weeping Wall of Waialeala (a HUGE rock wall with a dozen waterfalls running down it set at the end of this gnarly green canyon). Everything is tropical Irish green, except for Waimea Canyon, of course (Grand Canyon Jr.) The only thing about the open door ride is that you have to wear a jacket, you can't wear sandals or earrings, or bring a camera that isn't fastened to your wrist, so that meant the iPhone was grounded. The ride was cool (both meanings), but to be honest here, you step out looking like Phyllis Diller, and while you're wondering how you're going to solve the rat's nest problem, there's this pilot who wants to take your photo -- excuse me? You want to terrify the nation? As for ziplining, it's a complete blast. We did a seven-stop cruise through rain forests, not screaming fast, but you know you're moving.

Put Kauai in your vacation mix -- it combines a huge canyon, the wettest spot in the world, and imagine this: Fantasy Island's waterfalls.

Now to Backfire, the next FBI:

Big alas, I was writing right along on Backfire when I realized the primary plot simply wasn't going to scare you spitless and, okay, there was a logic problem too, and so I started over again. It's not all that catastrophic. I'm keeping the basics and lots of scenes and action I've already written still work. I'll keep you posted.

FOOTBALL: What do you think of Albert Haynesworth and Ochocinco going to the Patriots? Now, everyone look at performance and personnel in the preseason games take a stab at picking the Superbowl winner. My Pick: What with the two bad boys now in the Patriots professional culture , I've got to go with them over the Jets. And no, I don't think Green Bay is going to do a repeat. What do you think? If you aren't yet visiting me on Facebook, then do, or email me at ReadMoi@gmail.com and let me know your Superbowl pick. I'm going to keep track. Like last season, I'll pick four games each week during the regular season and select who I think will be the winners. How about you do the same? Instead of using all four of my picks, you can put in your own team, but do use the other three). And we'll all keep track of how good we are. What fun --

Who's been to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando? If you have, tell me about it.

Have a great end of August.
Catherine