Julie Barrett's Blog

We've all become used to automated phone routers ("To continue in English, press 1"), long waits at government offices and other bureaucratic obstacles to getting something done. Have you any particular horror stories along these lines, or have you had mostly good experiences with government agencies?

I haven't had to deal with government agencies much lately over the phone. Chris has his own tale to tell about getting his class schedule together for college this year, and it seems to be a tale t

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"Are you afraid of having to resort to multiple surgeries to enlarge your little friend?"

If I wasn't so tired I'd come up with an ultra snarky answer. For now: Oy.

Feel free to leave snarky comebacks in the comments.

Tags: Life

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So I've been trying something that's supposed to "promote natural sleep habits" and cut down on the hot flashes. It worked for a few nights. I'll keep it up for the month. I've paid for the damn pills already, I may as well use them.

Yes, I'm desperate. Sleep is fleeting these days. I'm told it's a common condition for women my age and I should just grab the rest while I can. Even if I don't sleep I should just kick back and relax. Read a book, watch a movie, close my eyes for a bit. I try, and t

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Finally, "Two of the Deadliest: New Tales of Lust, Greed, and Murder from Outstanding Women of Mystery" is on bookstore shelves.

One very cool thing I'd like to mention about this anthology is that Elizabeth George not only invited writers who are not known in the mystery genre, but she selected several unknown writers to participate. To me, that is utter coolness and flies in the face of the fallacy that unknown writers can't get a break.

If you're looking for an excuse to buy the book, consider

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First things first. Look what arrived in the mail!



Shiny!

I spent Saturday in meetings and yesterday we went to see the new Harry Potter film. In case anyone has managed to remain spoiler-free, I won't give anything away except to say when Snape says, "Harry Potter," is one of the most delicious moments of the film. It's always an OTT moment, but Alan Rickman manages to top his own performances.

We're enjoying a lovely break in the weather here. It's not even 80F yet. Gotta love days like this in

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Holy moly! The humidity today is thick enough to slice with a knife. When I walk outdoors it's like getting slapped in the face with a warm, wet towel.

The local forecasters are taunting us with a chance of rain tonight and highs in - dare I speak it - the lower 90's over the weekend. Right now? 104.9F (40.5C) with a heat index of 106F (41C). Honestly? It feels like 127F (52C if you're playing along elsewhere) because I've been cleaning the bathroom all afternoon. That, and running errands.

I had

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Yep, it was hot today. I am looking forward to the promised 20% chance of rain with highs in the lower 90's for the weekend. Oh, I cannot wait.

I slept last night for a change, but darned if I didn't have an allergy attack. I just can't win.

Check out the sidebar for a shiny widget that allows you to browse inside "Two of the Deadliest."

Going to retreat to the relative cool of the living room, where a glass of wine and a box of memories awaits. Gerry Barker asked if I'd write up some of my memori

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I've about hit the "too hot to work" temperature here in the office, so it's time to dash of a journal post before I retreat to cooler climes, er, rooms, with my laptop.

Just a few links today. Some self-promotional.

HarperCollins has some short audiobooks on their web site for free. One is the wickedly delicious "Can You Hear Me Now?" from "Two of the Deadliest." You can also get Richard Matheson's "Duel," and a selection from Neil Gaiman's "Fragile Things," read by the author. Enjoy!

Amazon now h

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What's your favorite way to stay cool in the summer? Is this even an issue where you live?

I'm in Texas. Of course, heat is an issue.

We have two seasons: Hot (Summer) and Less Hot (Winter, ostensibly). Ski season for us is a snow flurry. Oh, we get a few cold nights - perhaps enough to freeze the early blooms on the fruit trees. Spring and Fall each last for about two weeks.

So, how do I keep cool? Two words: Water. Fans. I'm in the home office now with the ceiling fan on 11 and drinking like a f

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Two cats on the couch:



Yes, it's Abby and Midnight in the same frame!

To join in the Feline Friday fun, visit Steven's (sometimes)photoblog. Say hi to Pickle Cat while you're there!

Tags: Pictures Cats Feline Friday

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