That sounds horrible, John! There's nothing worse than water intrusion. It can cause so many lingering issues (mold, hidden damage, etc.) It was such a feeling of helplessness to see that deluge of water coming through our ceiling when the chimney crown failed.

It can feel like the universe and/or a higher power is working in conjunction with you when those ideas start appearing in your path. It's such a magical process. I'm kicking myself for waiting so long between novels but life kind of got in the way between 2013 and now.

It's so important to make an effort to stay close to family. I can't imagine the feelings of regret for those people who don't do that.

I bet the fall color is beautiful where you are! That's a nice part of the country. Winter is definitely on our doorstep here. Next week the temperatures are plummeting and we'll be stoking up the wood stove!

Thanks and I wish you a great weekend!