Crestwood and Trevilians

Recently, I've had two wonderful school visits. One was at Trevlians Elementary School, in Louisa, where I spent the day talking to classes about writing and researching my books. Students from Mrs. Breen's class later sent me letters, which I have answered individually. They said they appreciated the tips on writing, such as using strong verbs.

Then yesterday, I was at Crestwood Elementary School in Chesterfield, Va., as part of a writing week. The Target Company gave them a grant to purchase copies of The Mysterious Jamestown Suitcase and to give a copy to each family to read together. I talked to all students in two sessions (the kids were great and had good questions), then again in the evening to a large gathering of families. Again, the questions were wonderful. One parent said she appreciated the way I worked in that families are all different--not the traditional two-parent model--so that kids could relate to the books. Little Jake, a kindergartener, told me before the program started that he was there for the ice cream, and hoped that I wouldn't talk too long. Unfortunately, he had to wait. There were lots of questions.

Both schools were warm and caring. Thanks, everyone.

Snow

I'm enjoying watching a light snow fall from the office in our new house. We don't live far from our old one, but it is more of a drive to see Sugar and Bailey now. They are coming over for dinner tonight and Sugar is bringing one of her famous peach pies. Bailey hopes she can see the deer that come in our backyard. I saw them last week, the night we moved in. The glided out of the woods, sniffed the bird feeders, and the doe had a sip of water from the bird bath. I haven't seen them since, but they have accepted the apples we tossed out for them.

The snow is pretty, but I'm really ready for spring.