It seems to me it was a summer of people and projects.  We had a great many functions (emphasis on the fun) here and more than the usual number of houseguests.  Betwixt and between Nyel worked on the fences and I worked on my current book for Arcadia Publishing.  Neither of us is through yet but, for both of us, closure is in sight.

Fittingly, the end of this round of fencing repairs is a new gate.  Nyel put it in place a day or two ago and it is awaiting its pickets which still need a coat of paint.  It’s the gate in the south fence – the second most used of the four into and out of our yard.  The old one finally (and literally) fell to pieces, though the fence in which it was situated is still functional.

You’d think that a gate without its pickets might look a bit ashamed at being naked down to the rails.  However, this one looks proud of its sturdy new frame, almost as if it’s lording it over the old fence on either side.  “Next year,” I whisper to the fence as I walk by.  “Next year it will be your turn.”

As for my book-in-progress, I guess I’m at about the same point in my work as Nyel is in his.  The framework is complete and just needs a bit of finishing up before I can say “done!”  The biggest difference in our “projects” is that I have a contractual deadline.  Nyel’s deadline, if any, is self-imposed.  I’m not sure which situation is easier.

As for the “and what’s next” on our list of things to do… more fences for Nyel.  Another book for me.  As one gate closes another opens, or so they say…