Just when I think my life can't get any weirder here I am, with not much notice, preamble or having-to-debate-it, back in Tucson.

It took a good 23 hours from door to door without even a fried pickle to alleviate the monotony. Add to that the trauma of friendly Americans wanting to talk to me (have they not read my blog?) and it's a wonder I survived at all.

But I'm here, the cats are here, Kate is here and the book can continue.

Of course in my absence the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show hit town (I never was known for my timing) but to my eyes all is the same.

Of course, as I'm here to work, the day starts with beading, book discussion, planning, task delegating, title pondering and plenty of other important tasks. But of course there's only so much work we can do on empty stomachs so at lunch-time we head off to Cafe Poca Cosa and then to Buffalo Exchange where we try on all manner of clothes before we leave. I manage to score an amazing orange swing coat ($8!) and two cute scarves. Then it's back to work, back to the book and back to beading.