It’s been a stressful two years, but things are finally getting back to normal. Mask mandates are lifting almost everywhere. Travel destinations are requiring fewer and fewer prerequisites for visiting. Events that have been closed to the public are reopening.

This month is a busy one for me, partially thanks to the lifting of additional pandemic rules. It’s always been the month of Mother’s Day, my brother’s birthday, and my birthday, but that’s been it for the past two years. This year we get to return to Canada for a week of fishing with family and friends. That’s one country that’s still heavy on the border crossing rules, but they are letting up enough that we will actually be able to go. This is a trip that takes a lot of planning ahead as we have to bring all our food and equipment. As well as getting all our required information to the proper authorities before the advance crossing deadline.

This year I also have my first reader/author book signing event in June . . . not long after we return from Canada. Being my first, I have to plan for my very important table set-up. So many of these events were canceled, or I didn’t hear about them until it was too late and all tables were booked. If you’re in the Deadwood, SD area the Saturday of June 18^th, be sure and come by the Wild Deadwood Reads event at the Lodge. A part of the larger Wild Bill Days celebrating the life and times of Wild Bill Hickock. There will be lots of authors selling a wide variety of books, live music, and other great events. I’m so excited! I’ve been to Deadwood only once, and it’s a really fun place to visit. I can’t wait to go back.

And, I get to meet some new readers. Create new fans?

For those of you who are current fans of mine, Book 2 of the Pine Lake Girls trilogy should be out by the end of summer. It’s currently in the editing phase of creation. Watch for more news about “Betty: The Rebel” in the near future. And if you enjoyed the “Hope Harbor” anthology I was a part of last year, there’s a second volume coming out in November in time for Christmas. Proceeds for this one will go toward fighting hunger. I’m currently drafting my contribution, “A Christmas Kind of Love”.

It’s never too early to begin planning for your winter reading list. And who says you have to wait for winter? Books make a great poolside or beach companion.