August 2003

Despite the heat we have been experiencing here in the North Okanagan I have managed to survive it and write this month’s memo. I have seen some hot days in my life but never like this. Late last month I saw something that one can only have nightmares about. I saw the handle on my oversized outdoor thermometer cover the "y" in the word Mercury. This word is at the very bottom of the dial. That means that it was "off the scale" so to speak. The last number on the dial is 120F. The "y," should there be numbers there, would be at roughly 130F, at least.

The subject of this month’s memo has to do with things "lost and found." The first is, as some of you might already be aware, we released the second episode of The Adventure’s of Davey & Kathy. The title of course is "Lost and Found." This story focuses on the events that follow when Kathy doesn't listen to her oldest sister. You'll be intrigued by the relationship that develops between Kathy and her rescuer. Be sure to get your copy today.

The second "lost and found" of the month is something that I’m sure I’ll laugh about in a few years. Right now, it’s not very funny.

Last month, as we were getting the last bits and pieces together before the second episode went to the printers, I thought I’d save myself some time. So, I decided to send the illustrations for the book to the printers in Kelowna, about an hour drive away, by Xpress Post. This would save us driving two hours in the heat.

So on July 15^th I carefully packaged up all the illustrations, along with some other things and I headed for the Post Office. I asked when it would arrive in Kelowna. I also asked if they were going to lose it. I was told, "No we won’t lose it Kathy." A lady standing in line was the only one who laughed.

I exchanged knowing looks with Marion, the lady who told me they wouldn’t lose my package, remembering all to well what happened the month before.

I had sent a copy of The Rocking Chair Rescue to a lady in Niagara Falls, Ontario. It had to be there by Wednesday. So I sent it Priority Courier first thing Monday morning.

"No problem it will be there by Wednesday." I was told. I paid my twenty-something dollars, got my receipt and I left the Post Office.

It was important that it be there on time. This lady was to meet the president of a company who was considering carrying the series.

Kamloops would have been my packages first stop, but it never made it there! It took until Friday of that week to track down the package and have it delivered. By that time it was too late for the meeting.

I did get my money back, but that was little comfort. So now I asked again, "When will my package arrive in Kelowna?"

All in all, everything turned out fine. The book was published on time. We released it at the Cherryville Festival of The Arts on August 10^th where it was received with great enthusiasm. I'm pictured here with my number one fan Bronson, along with his Mom, Karen. They drove all the way from Coldstream to get a copy of Lost and Found. Thanks for coming out Bronson, it was great to see you both again! J

We also released the first two cards in our new Wildlife Series of hasty notes. Both cards display the artwork of "Lost and Found" illustrator Fawn Boucock. For more information on these cards you’ll find them on our Web site in the Bookstore.

Another "lost and found" I experienced last month was a call from an old friend. It wasn’t totally unexpected. Reading the newspaper on line certainly has its advantages.

Last December I noticed the mother of a dear friend had passed away. I lost touch with Crystal over the years but I never forgot her. She is mentioned in my autobiography and as I wrote about our escapades I often wondered what became of her.

After seeing the phone number for the funeral home in obituary, I decided to call. I left my name and phone number along with a message for Crystal. I hoped she’d call, but figured if she didn’t, there could be any number of reasons.

One evening while Mom and I were sitting outside enjoying our patio swing, the phone rang. I ran inside to answer it just as the answering machine picked it up. I soon cut that off and said, "Hello."

"Could I please speak to Katharine," came the friendly business-like voice.

"This is she," I answered.

"Hi. This is Crystal."

My mind went in a million different directions. I was trying to figure out what company she was from. Where I had met her? Where did I know her from? I surely didn’t want to not remember someone I had recently met.

Finally, feeling a little dense I asked, "Crystal?"

When she said her last name I just about hit the floor. "No kidding?" I replied. (Well, okay that wasn’t exactly what I said, but close enough.)

When she laughed I knew it was my dear old friend Crystal. What a joy it was to reminisce and to catch up on our lives. Over four hours later we finally hung up promising to keep in touch. We now had a friendship found. Twenty-five years is just too much time to let go by.

July and the first half of August has been interesting. I can hardly wait to see what the rest of the month holds.

So, until sometime next month, stay cool and be well! J

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