Fall preparations

As the fall weather continues, we notice the birds are feeding in preparation for cold weather.  This morning David watched three bluebirds fighting over the bluebird house.  We think the larger male (papa bluebird) was saying to smaller male, “now son, this is my house.  You are grown now and it’s time for you to get a job and find your own house.”  As the younger bird flew away, we think we heard the papa say, “deadbeat kid wants a free ride.  It’s time for him to grow up.”  (I might be imagining that.)

Making an Index

I completed the book page edits.  I have been through the entire book three times.  (Not much TV watching going on.  Just the St Louis Cardinals in the World Series)  

Now I am making an index.  We tend to take an index for granted.  An index is the guide at the back of the book that helps you find a specific topic or person’s name.  For example, after reading my book, you want to know when Penicillin was discovered.  You could leaf through the pages and hope you find it.  More likely you will go to the index and look up Penicillium (the name of the mold that Alexander Fleming discovered in 1928.)  This information can be found in chapter 5 (Looking back through history) on page 68.   

I’m wrapping up the book review process this weekend and will be mailing book proofs and index back to my publisher.  I signed the contract with McFarland & Co., Inc in October 2009 so this two year project is almost finished.  I feel a sense of accomplishment.   

Just a reminder

I recently received a question from one of my readers.  The question was asking for medical advice.  As a reminder to all who read my blog, the purpose of this blog is to provide valid, reputable health information for educational purposes.  It should never be taken as medical advice.  I cannot and will not give medical advice. 

You need your own doctor/health care provider.  We have one.  You should work with your doctor/health care provider and make a plan to help protect and/or improve your health.  

And remember, when you get information from your friends, something that works for them, you should not assume that you will get the same results as your friends.  Be wise and check with your health care provider before trying your friend's experiment. 

I appreciate the questions and feedback I get. In response I will provide reputable sites/information so you have knowledge when you talk to your healthcare provider.    Thank you. 

Are you enjoying your day?

"Living in the moment means letting go of the past and not waiting for the future.  It means living your life consciously, aware that each moment you breathe is a gift."  (Oprah Winfrey quote from The Simplify Your Life Book by Allen Klein).


I hope you are having a wonderful day.

Arthritis Today body diagram

Sometimes my hands hurt.  (Hmmm, wonder if it could be 38+ years of using them while working as a nurse?)  So went to this Arthritis today site and clicked on the body diagram part “hand and wrist” It provided good information about common hand problems including several types of arthritis. 

http://www.arthritistoday.org/symptoms/by-body-part/index.php?WT.mc_id=921BPL  If you have questions about your joint pains, check it out.  It’s certainly not a substitute for a good doctor, but it will give you reliable information. 

Book page edits

I’m reporting that book page edits are going well.  The first editing phase I read (yes, I read the entire book) out loud for sentence structure, grammar, etc.  That’s done.  

During the second editing phase I’m pulling out files and checking every fact and statistic for accuracy.  Then I check every reference.  As you can imagine, a few internet websites have changed in 10 months.  I checked every website in January before I sent the manuscript to the publisher but some have changed/moved so I’m making those corrections.   

I’ve waded through chapter 12 of 15 so I’m making great progress.  

My goal is to finish phase 2 of editing by next Monday.  (The entire project is due to the publisher early November so I’m doing ok.)  However, short term goals keep me focused. 

Fortunately, I have a supportive husband who is a good sport about all this writing business.  In fact, he’s cooking supper tonight.  We’re having hamburgers in mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes and green peas.  As my sister would say, “it works for me.”