If you’ve been keeping an eye on my Instagram and Facebook (and if you haven’t, why not?) you’d know that I’ve spent the last couple of weeks in Vietnam and Singapore on holiday. I’ve got heaps to talk about regarding that, but that’s best for another time. Here’s a sneak preview.

We landed back in Australia on Friday night and then got up and packed again on Saturday morning to head to Hervey Bay to see Sarah and pick up Kali from her doggy holiday camp. While it was the last thing either of us felt like doing, it was fabulous to see Sarah (and her housemate) and be reunited with my pooch.

As Sarah is busy next weekend we also took the opportunity to celebrate Grant’s birthday early with dinner at Odyssey in Scarness. Seriously, if you’re ever in Hervey Bay and want to treat yourself, Odyssey is the place. They don’t have a menu as such; instead it’s a set 5-course sharing menu (plus bread and veggies with dip) with all ingredients sourced locally – between Bundaberg and the Sunshine Coast. Such a treat.

Also on the foodie front, we tried out a new-to-us pooch-friendly brekky spot on the esplanade at Urangan – Pier Village. I’d been craving avo on toast and how good does this one look?

While I’ve been away the first Whale Bay mystery has been off for structural editing. I had a meeting with my editor this morning and am really clear as to what needs to be done from here. I am, however, on a quick turnaround for this draft so it will be bum on seat and fingers on keyboards to get it done. I’m so excited to tell you more about this series.

What else? The cover concept is through for Christmas at Mannus Ridge … what do you think? Personally, I reckon she’s nailed it on the first attempt. I love it.

What else? This week I’ll be settling into life without a day job and attempting to make sense of the notes I’ve been making of all the things I need to do to sell more books. At this point it’s all a jumble in my mind and needs structure. Wish me luck.

Until next week…