Those Darn Pigeons!

I probably sound like an old woman who's lived in her house far too long...

But these darn pigeons are driving me nuts! They're roosting on our roof and chimney. I hear them not only cooing, but scratching and moving around on the roof tiles, and it's kinda freaking me out. When I look out on the roof from our bathroom window, I see tons of dried pigeon poop, and that aggravates me because I like a clean house and there's not much I can do about keeping a clean roof.

We enjoyed our little mother sparrow last month with her nest in our wreath, but that was not an invitation for all birds of a feather to flock together at the Manor. And pigeons are terminally stupid, so I doubt there's any reasoning with them to leave.

I am not the bird woman, but I would definitely pay someone more than tuppence a bird to exterminate them from the premises.

Suggestions???

My Own Version of Exercise

I decided to quit my gym membership. Earlier in the summer, they replaced my Tue/Thu afternoon classes (which I loved and had been faithfully attending for two and half years) with this new exercise program. I gave it a couple tries, only to find that I hated it and it aggravated my back problems. I decided to try some other classes they offered. I attended some morning classes during July, which were okay. But I realized once school started, there was no way I could attend any morning classes, and all the afternoon/evening classes were taken over by that new program,

So I made the step to cancel my membership and save $30 a month--now it's going towards paying off our fine art, which is much more enjoyable that hurting my back at the gym.

However, this does not mean I will let myself go--that is not Fauf! I've decided to discipline myself to walking or riding my bike for at least 30 min. everyday. I've also bought some dumb-bells to keep my arms toned--I can do this while watching TV. And of course I'll keep up my stretching.

So far, I'm doing pretty good. And it's helped having Michael or friends join me on walks and bike rides, etc.

Let's hope the Fauf can stay disciplined!

Auntie Fauf

I am so blessed to be an auntie to such lovely nieces and nephews, the most recent being tiny Emma Rose!

Disney Princess?

I'm wondering if perhaps I am a Disney princess without knowing it. Perhaps when I was born there was a mix up at the hospital, and my real parents (Disney king and queen) accidentally took home the wrong baby and the Drazins took home me. This is why I think this...

Little critters of all types have been flocking to me! First we had a mother bird build her nest of babies in our wreath. After that, a random squirrel was spotted checking out our front lawn. Then last night, I spotted a tiny frog clinging to the inside the of the fron door. It hopped off, and when I opened the door for it, it hopped right out the front door and into the bush!

I'm wondering what else I'll attract. Is a fawn next?

Watson's Case Weekend

A special thanks to all my family and friends, both old and new, who celebrated the release of my second book, Watson's Case. It would not be what is without all of you, especially a few individuals I must acknowledge here.

Michael: because of your assertive campaigning, advertising, and creativity, the book release event at Toy Zoo drew crowds larger than I ever dreamed! You worked so hard to promote me and my book and it paid off. I would never have published or pursued this hobby without you. I love you!

Marc, owner of Toy Zoo: due to your enthusiasm and willingness for us to take over your store, the kids enjoyed activities and I sold out of books! I think this is the beginning of a new business relationship!

Dad Shaw: the new book is dedicated to you for all your love and support and editing expertise. Someday I hope to pay you. In the meantime, I love you!

Kyle: your excitement, creativity, and support reflected on the front of each copy I sell has visually turned Sherlock Academy into a wonderful thing. One kid told me, "I bought your book because I liked the cover!" Thank you!

Family and Friends: special thanks to my mom and Mimi, Sarah and Adam who made the long drive up for the event. Special thanks to Jon, Morgan, and Adi who snapped photos, brought fun siblings to the party, and gave me extra moral support. Special thanks to the great Kiniry Clan for using the Burrow to host the private release party--it added extra magic having it there with them. And thanks to everyone else!

And all humble thanks to God, who for some reason decided to inspire me with Sherlock Academy, and allowed me to share it with others. I'll never fully understand His plan--it's too grand!