Right. I got back to the U.S. yesterday and I’m leaving for Austin tomorrow. Will someone remind me of what I was thinking?

Here’s the first thirteen lines of Shades of Milk and Honey.

The Wentworths of Long Parkmead had the regard of their neighbors in every respect. Mr. Charles Wentworth, though a second son, through the generosity of his father the Baron of Foxgrove, had been entrusted with an estate in the neighborhood of Sussex. His only regret, for the estate was a fine one, was that it was entailed and, as he had only two daughters, was to pass to his elder brother’s son upon his death. Knowing that, he took pains to set aside some of the income each annum for the provision of his daughters.
     The sum was not so large as he wished it might be, but he hoped it would prove enough to attract appropriate husbands for his daughters. Of his younger daughter, Melody, he had no concerns, for she had a face made for fortune. His older daughter, Jane, made up for her deficit of beauty with rare taste and talent in the womanly arts. Her skills at magic and glamour were surpassed by none in their neighborhood and lent their home a sense of wealth far beyond their means. But well he knew how fickle young men’s hearts were.

I got in around 10:20 last night. -E- met me at the airport and drove me home. It was really good to see her and I hadn’t really realized how much I’ve missed her company till I was back in it. The house was much as we’d left it. The kitchen floor, which we refinished shortly before leaving the country, has mellowed to wonderful golds and ambers.

The trees still have fall foliage here. Reds and yellow are everywhere, and the weather is clear. In Portland. In November. It’s like a welcome home present. Our cats, Maggie and Marlowe, seem to remember me. I honestly wasn’t sure if they would or if they would care that I’ve come back. They were very affectionate and clingy last night.

I woke up around 4:30, but was able to get back to sleep until a more reasonable hour. I got up around 7:45, which is not bad for jetlag. Now, I’m sitting in Fuel, my favorite coffee shop. I had an egg and cheese bagel for breakfast with a decaf mocha. Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve been able to order a decaf anything without wondering if they would have decaf?