I am on vacation in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (where the weather absolutely bites–50s and rainy) and on a little excursion into the northernmost tip (the Keweenaw Peninsula), my family and I came across this cool site.

I made Music Man stop immediately because it was just the sort of place the characters in my new series might come upon, or even might live or camp out in. (Oooh, even more hints!)

Here are a few pictures of what I think are the ruins of an iron smelting plant near Hubbell, Michigan. Cool, huh?

ETA: I did a little research and found out that it’s a copper stamping plant. Just FYI.

Very exciting to hear that the Gardella Vampire Chronicles are being released in short notice over in Italy and Germany in the next year!

Already the first two Gardellas are out in Italy (the first one with a brand new cover)…and the third is coming in July. There’s a pretty active Facebook fan group for the Italian readers of the Gardella Vampire Chronicles (here), and sometimes they get the info faster than I do!

The fourth Gardella will come out in Italy this fall, and the fifth and final will hit the shelves in February 2010. So lucky Italian readers won’t have to wait too long between installments.

Also, the first Gardella has just been released in Germany, to be followed by the second (August) and the third (October). Very nice! I haven’t received word on when the fourth will be coming out, but I’m guessing it’ll be in early 2010, based on the current schedule.

Here are the covers (the first two Italian, the first three German)…do you love them, or do you love them?

That’s the condition one gets when summer arrives–and with it, the cessation of school and the influx of children, sunny days, and the siren call of the outdoors.

And when bloggers like me “forget” about blogging.

Sorry ’bout that.

And I don’t have much of wit to share with any of you who might still be hanging around here. So instead, I’m going to ask...what are you reading right now? What are you planning to read in the next week or so?

I’ve just finished a two-book glom of my favorite author (Barabara Michaels/Elizabeth Peters), and I’ll probably go back for more. She’s such a comfort read for me, and this last week has been busy and yet comforting. The weather’s been absolutely stellar here in Michigan. Just beautiful, and I’ve been spending part of the day sitting on my deck reading in the shade.

I just finished Witch and before that read Into the Darkness (both by Michaels), and I’m thinking of digging out The Sea King’s Daughter and Vanish with the Rose. I haven’t read them in years, so I’m sure I’ll enjoy them.

I’ve also picked up Erica Orloff’s Freudian Slip because it sounds cute, but it’s on my Kindle and I might wait for vacation for that one.

So, back at you…what are you reading and what’s on deck for your next book?

Posted about this on Facebook over the weekend, and got so many positive responses that I thought I’d share the recipe for this simply awesome dessert I made.

It’s elegant and simple, and fairly healthy if you don’t go overboard on the ice cream!

Roasted Nectarines with Melba

Cut 4 nectarines in halves or quarters, remove pit

Sprinkle with about a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar

Sprinkle with about a teaspoon of sugar (coarse if possible)

Place in shallow pan and cook at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, purée a pint of raspberries with a half teaspoon of lemon juice. This will make the melba sauce.

When the nectarines are done, divide in bowls by serving. Add a scoop (or two) of vanilla ice cream, then drizzle the melba sauce over them.

Serve warm. Totally yummy!

Hmm. Apparently, these are available over in Europe somewhere for a limited amount of time.

Much as I dig grape popsicles and admire Mr. Craig, I think I’d rather have the real thing. You?

Who would you like to see as a popsicle…and what flavor?