Why I Like Having a European Boss

Dining alfresco in Sicily

European bosses are the best. (Well, not at this precise moment, just after Italy's soccer stars got shellacked by Spain in Euro 2012. There's been some breaking of furniture in the TV room.)

But, apart from odd bursts of ill-temper, a European boss understands something very important: You HAVE to go on vacation. And not just one of those paltry American vacations of a week or ten days. A true vacation lasts at least a month. It does not comprise of going to Disneyland, or even Atlantic City. No, the Don returns to Sicily and spends long, languourous days in the orange groves. He reads, swims, and plays the occasional round of golf. There's lots of pasta, chianti, and accordion playing. Everyone has to give in their Smartphones and iPads--even that Twitterophile, Luca Brasi Jr.--and disconnect completely.

Therefore, for the rest of July, the blog here will be dark. The Don agrees I don't have to accompany him back to Palermo--so I'll be heading for the Oregon Coast followed by the Washington Cascades. There will be no wireless there, just the snow-capped peaks and the racing rivers. A time to replenish the soul, and catch up with the reading.

See you in August!!

When The Don's Away, the Boys Will Play

The Don's beloved Sicily
(Mt. Etna in the background)

Don Vito left yesterday for his annual hols to Sicily. Not that it's been quiet here at the MGM, mind you. Because no sooner had the Don's plane swept off into the skies, then the schoolhouse doors opened and my boys came spilling out, yelling and hollering.

In an effort to protect my sanity and my novel-writing time, and with the Don no longer breathing down my neck, I'm changing my blog schedule over at the main blog. I'll be there on Tuesdays and Fridays, and will continue to post here for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. This schedule takes effect this minute!

And in case you missed it, I'm giving away a Lands' End Polo shirt over at my other blog. You can enter HERE.