On the Boardwalk

Here's another pic from my Green Earth Book Award trip to Maryland, USA. It's from the day I spent on Assateague, a beautiful conservation area with wild ponies (next blog) and a fabulous beach (see below). This is the boardwalk leading to the beach. I'm using this pic at the moment for my PC screen background. I think it's rather good if I do say so myself.

Living House

Here's an amazing sight I spotted on the outskirts of Berlin, Maryland (quaint town where Runaway Bride was filmed). It has become its own garden, growing trees and weeds and plants out of its body! The flat bit in the front is where the porch simply collapsed. There's something magical here, demanding to be put into a story one day ...

Hey Sailor

Spent my last day in Maryland in Annapolis, a lovely quaint city-town that is also the home of the US Naval Academy. Being an old navy gal myself, I really wanted to see the place. Here's the huge gym. Wonderful to see all the young cadets in their black uniforms walking smartly about. I also enjoyed the exhibition that featured a NASA display. You know, I can't understand why the Star Trek franchise hasn't done a spin-off series set in Star Fleet Academy. It's such an obvious winner - teens in school stuff plus military plus outer space and aliens. I mean, what could be more exciting?

Braving America

Had a fabulous time picking up my Green Earth Book Award in America. Will be blogging loads about it here and on my Book Blog. Met so many amazing people. Also got out and about in beautiful Delmarva (Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia). Here's me walking along the Atlantic Ocean - I'm usually on t'other side. Spent the day with Prof Patti Dean of Salisbury U and Pam Spencer Holley, a well-known figure in the American kidslit world. They brought me for lunch at the Atlantic Hotel in the quaint little town of Berlin, where Runaway Bride was filmed. Here's the big bowl of mussels we shared before tucking into our salads. The sauce was sweet grain mustard and chili cayenne, delicious. Thank you Pam and Patti for a great day! (Photos: Patti Dean and OR Melling) See more pics over on my Book Blog.

Delayed Response

Sorry for lack of posting. Dealing with a death in the family. Hope to be back at work next week.