The morning air, just before the sun rises, bears a hint of the chill to follow in the coming months.  Already I dread the coming winter.  I've long ago had my fill of snow and cold, even though winter in

Tennessee is nothing compared to the snowy, icy weather that arrives farther north.

     While I love the winter holidays, especially Christmas, I don't like the season they come in nor the weather that accompanies them.  Sure, there's a certain excitement to the turning colors of the fall leaves.  Chilly nights bring my beloved scurrying back to my side of the bed, seeking warmth, though she is easily enough talked into romance.  I'm content for the moment.  I'd be just as happy, though, if there was a heavy frost for Christmas, then spring magically appeared by New Year's day.  Did I tell you I really don't like winter anymore?  Believe it.

     Carrying my toolbox down to my Subaru Outback to take a look at my brake pads, I was almost deafened by the sound of crunching leaves.  Yes, fall is in full swing, despite the warm sunny days that pretend summer has not faded away.  Anyway, the brake pads are fine.  I suppose the squeaking was accumulated brake dust.  Falling walnuts will have to be dealt with soon, or the squirrels will reap the reward, leaving me nothing but a pile of empty hulls.  Someday, those laughing squirrels will pay for their insolence, along with their compatriots, the rabbits and deer, when I bring in a band of hunters

to thin their numbers.  Perhaps my grandchildren will avenge me.  Carter is getting quite handy with

bow and arrow, so there is hope.

     I'm so excited about my solo writing project, I can hardly stand the waiting.  There are some

plot details I'm still working out and the delays seem endless, but I'm still plugging away.  The reading will be worth the wait, dear Lorefans, so be patient.  It is coming.  Thanks to the Lorefans everywhere

for your tireless support.  If it weren't for all of you, Loredagger couldn't exist. 

     By the way, in the Lorefan artwork coming in lately, there have been some amazing depictions of

Mara, Nicht, and even Varg and his ladies.  Surely some talented Lorefan will take it upon themselves to do a sketch of Von and possibly the women in his life.  If not, I'll understand.  Fine art is difficult and inspiration is hard to come by.  Still, I could probably write faster if I felt that the Lorefans really liked

Von enough to take a stab at drawing him.  Consider it a challenge, or a plea.  Whatever works is fine by me.  Until next time, read on Lorefans!