The Vine Witch

First, for your cuteness, because we need all the cute we can get these days!

Today the sun is shining, the skies are blue, the birds are singing and going about their normal routine, finding a good place to nest, finding a mate, and settling down for the season.

Bruno and I had a nice walk up to the cemetery and back.

approx. 200 red-winged blackbirds

I took this pic the other grey day. I heard them first, all singing, and there they were, my favorites the red-winged blackbirds. Not much to look at in this pic, except the shear number of them, but they sure sounded pretty outside my window.

 

Meanwhile, most of us are either stuck at home, or we still have jobs where we’re needed. I’ll be honest and say I’m glad I’m in the former category, but neither is it a picnic, although I definitely have it easier than many. No kids, no remote job, just this forced hibernation while I wait it out and then hopefully go back to my old job. You’d think I’d be getting all kinds of writing done, right?

 Yeah, that’s not what’s happening here. I am getting some writing done, but I find it hard to concentrate for any long length of time. I stare at the screen. My mind just floats away somewhere until it comes back. So. Not a lot of writing, but I’m also not beating myself up over it. Right now, I think everyone trying as much as they can.

In better news, I did finish reading  The Vine Witch by Luanne G. Smith, which I absolutely loved and highly recommend.

The story begins when the vine witch, Elena, emerges from a curse only to find that her beloved vineyard, Château Renard, has been cursed as well. It hasn’t produced a decent vintage in the seven years since she’s been gone. Worse yet, it’s being run by a man who doesn’t believe in magic or vine witches, or anything of the sort. He believes in science, not superstition. And then there’s the little matter of the identity of the person who cursed her. Because Elena has every intention of having her revenge.

I loved Elena and learning about her particular gift. I loved the magic she used to help the grapes. I adored all the supporting characters, especially a sassy fellow witch she meets toward the end. This book is a magical feast, or should I say a magical bottle of Château Renard.

Highly recommended!

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And for those following the grim news

Maine Covid-19 stats:

Current cases: 499 (there were 253 as of the 1st)

Current deaths:10 (thankfully this hasn't changed in a few days)