As I write this note the weather is steamy. It's a far cry from last week when I had the windows wide open so I could simulate working outdoors. Now I feel hermetically sealed into my air-conditioned world where, when I step outside, the "wet blanket over my face" moment strikes. I have decided I need a screened-in porch or a gazebo for working on nice days. Since my younger son Cory is 14, I think the swing set can be given away. Wait, there is that nice landing at the top of the slide with the little tent above it. Maybe I can sit there!

“Gee but it’s great to be back home.” There’s a little more jetlag to work through. (I think I am up to western Pennsylvania on my way east.) I am getting caught up. 

Last week at San Diego Comic-Con I perfected what I am calling the four-pocket system with my phone, BlackBerry, camera and wallet (with business cards/credit card/ID and cash for overpriced convention food) tucked into my jeans pockets. Thus, I was in ready mode for most of what happened on the floor. Though I was not dressed in costume in keeping with a comic theme, I felt like I had my own version of Quick Draw McGraw going with all my devices. Remember him? For the record, I posted what I think were the best costumes of Comic-Con here, including some lovely ladies who showed me where to store a phone, etc. when you have no pockets. You drop them in your boots. Of course, if I was wearing those boots I would be in traction.

While many of you have probably been relaxing and enjoying your vacation time, my July has been filled with what I call "bookish travel" to conferences, conventions and award ceremonies where they talked about BOOKS. I've been to Washington, D.C., Chicago and San Diego. At one point, the phone at one of my hotels rang with a wakeup call, and when I answered I wanted to ask, “What city am I in?”

While many of you have probably been relaxing and enjoying your vacation time, my July has been filled with what I call "bookish travel" to conferences, conventions and award ceremonies where they talked about BOOKS. I've been to Washington, D.C., Chicago and San Diego. At one point, the phone at one of my hotels rang with a wakeup call, and when I answered I wanted to ask, “What city am I in?”

Who knew that San Diego would be as muggy and humid as New York this time of year? As Carol and I were in town for Comic-Con, the walks to and from the convention center were intense…and a little bit sweaty. Carol prefers the word dewy, but no matter what the phrasing, it was HOT.