It's been a pretty exraordinary week.  As I mentioned previously, my page proofs for "The Return of Don Ramon" in TALES OF ZORRO arrived.  My author's copy of LACE AND BLADE, with my story, "Touch of Moonight," arrived.  I finished three chapters on a new novel - a mystery this time.  And I discovered my story, "The Children's Crusade" had made the final Nebula ballot.  

    Calls my good friends Steve Gould and Brad Denton convinced me that if I valued my arms and legs, I'd find a way to make it to Austin for the event, so after juggling some other springtime plans, Diana and I made our airline reservations and our sleeping arrangements.  So we're going to the Nebs.  I'd give anything to be able to take Ron, also, since he was with me when I wrote the story in Fort Lauderdale and loves it, but that just won't work out as his business travel can't be changed as easily.

    Have also begun work on the DSI newsletter for this quarter, which always means a nice influx of cash.  And begun work on a story I have due for another anthology April 1st.  So it's a productive time.  In addition, all my recent injuries finally seem to have healed.  I returned to the gym for serious weight-training last week (had just been puttering around for the past six weeks), and really ramped things up today.  No weight records yet, but I executed three complete sets of bench press at 185 lbs today.  It's not my usual 225 lbs, but hey... I've been off!  I'm pleased.  And tomorrow night - I return to karate.  I've been getting personal notes from my two primary sensei in New Jersy and LA, and I've found them encouraging.  I drifted away from regular practice this past year - owing to all those injuries -.  But there's a major martial arts event later this year for us.  They'd really like me there, and I'd really like to attend.  I foresee some foot blisters in my near future.  <g>

    And In a week I have a speaking gig at the library in Fulton, Missouri.  So, life is good.