Hi, Dear Readers

I promise not to keep you in the dark from now on, and to that end, I'm checking in, since it has been a month. You may have read the recent update for my old o/s, "Captain Howdy," in which I explained the difficulties in my life of the last year or so.

Right now, my own mental health is actually pretty good, but my poor father is another story. We had hoped he would improve after his surgery, but in three months he has had numerous strokes, and has gone from fully competent and physically active to barely able to walk or even to feed himself. He needs 24/7 care, and so my sisters and I are making daily medical decisions for him and caring for him at home as he nears the end of his life. As you can imagine, it has been very difficult emotionally, as well as taking a great deal of time.

He's my dad, and I love him. I have to do this for him now.

That said, I have to go on with my life (my 10yo daughter helps me to remember that truth). I have a long chapter mostly written and am just trying to get it right before publishing. Writing and reading help keep me grounded.

That's about all I can tell you. I'm still engaged and in touch, but my family is in crisis, so I need to be with them. Either my dad will pass soon, which is what he would want, or we will get into a routine with professional caregivers helping more over time. Either way, I promise to keep in touch, and to keep writing. No more disappearing.

Happy Thanksgiving to those who are celebrating this week. Best wishes to all of you, and to those you love.

— Linda (Cullenboyz)