I loved doing this book, maybe because of the Chicago connection to my roots, but I wish I could find another historical figure who absorbed my interest as Cissie Palmer did. If I do chance across someone, I’ll drop mysteries for a lengthy research project. Meantime my future holds more mysteries.

Two major things have kept me from starting a new novel. We are remodeling my garage/guest apt. into a cottage for me. I will live there while my youngest daughter and her family move into the main house. Since at present, she is running my house and hers, this will be a relief for both of us. Her husband and son are both on board with the move. Jacob, my grandson, is excited because all his buddies that he goes to school with live in my neighborhood.

It’s a major construction project but when it’s finished I’ll have a good-sized office/sitting room, a small bedroom, a bar (can’t have two kitchens on one property because of zoning laws, so we’re calling it a bar). I can have any appliance I can plug in, so it will be fine for fixing lunch and light supper. If I want to cook a major meal, I’ll come in the house. I’m really excited about it, though I haven’t been allowed in the construction site yet because it’s all cords, etc.

The other thing is that I have broken my leg/ankle—actually it’s the very lower part of the leg but it really affects the ankle, which the orthopedic surgeon says is beyond repair. So I cannot bear any weight on that foot until it heals. No word yet on how long that will be but I go back to the doctor July 5. Meantime, I’m housebound but content. I’m working, friends come to visit and bring meals, Jordan, my daughter, has sprouted wings as a caretaker.

What’s ahead? I think in the next few days I’ll start another Kelly O’Connell Mystery. I’m not making any promises but I’ll tell you on the q.t. the theme that I have in mind—racism, which seems to have reared its ugly head in our country in recent years. Shhh. Don’t tell.