November 10, 2009 – Cool, clear. Jane from Berthould, Colorado writes to say that the ugly potholder arrived in good shape yesterday, and she is “ecstatic!” It’s found a good home, she said, “and will be safe the rest of its life and will not be returning. Sorry, Jon – your loss, my gain.”
  Congratulations, Jane, and good riddance to the potholder. (Just kidding.) Maria made another green potholder yesterday and is not all that interested in my opinions about the colors she chooses for her potholders. Never tell an artist which colors to use. Jane said her dream is to win the lotto and buy Bedlam Farm. I suspect something like that will happen.
  Anyway, I am happy for the ugly potholder – green and pink don’t work for me – and for all of the others Maria is cranking out in her little potholder factory for Christmas. And Jane, you needn’t worry. Maria knows better than to listen to me. Heading for NYC for a few days at the end of the week. Walking, photos, plays, museums, food. Then forays into the Adirondacks to research the new novel, “Rose Running.” Except for a couple of days during the NY trip, the blog will be up and running. We are just warming up.