Noodling along in creativity ...

Just finished 2 pairs of kids' mittens for http://www.afghansforafghans.com/index.html This is a joint project with Roots of Peace, whose work is transforming minefields into agricultural land. Off they go today.

The mother of all apple harvests is still upon us, resulting in dried apple slices, applesauce, spiced apple compote, and many eaten fresh or in oatmeal (or combined with pumpkin, of which we also have an embarrassment of riches) in various ways. No apple butter, as our pantry is overstocked with jam. I think we have only a bucket or two left on the trees. I've learned that fully ripe Golden Delicious apples make incredible, naturally honey-sweet applesauce.

Pumpkins... Dave loves those big Cinderellas, and they flourished this year, each weighing in around 20 lbs. Got 6 of them, gave one away. (That's not counting the mound of butternut, buttercup and a few odd hybrid volunteers.) The problem is, once you've cut into one, you have to use or freeze the flesh in a timely manner. I'm finding that chopped pumpkin goes well in all sorts of things, including spaghetti sauce and chili (and pureed in soup, as sweet Afghan kadoo, sauteed with chard -- very happy now that it's cooler -- souffles, oven-roasted and spiced).

Writing update

As the year draws to a close, I'm finishing up 2 big projects: the next Darkover book, Hastur Lord, and the second volume of The Seven-Petaled Shield, Shannivar. There will of course be revisions etc. etc., and 1 or 2 more volumes of Shield (I sold it as a trilogy, but now seriously doubt I can do it in less than 4 books). Yet, I have a sense of creative space opening up for something new. And I have some wonderful ideas that I have to Not Think About because then they will Get Ideas and take over my entire life. I'm bribing them with promises and cookies to please be patient while I clear my plate a bit more. That failing, I'll threaten them with a spate of short fiction. "No, no, we'll be good!"