Today I got my first "travel writing" offer; maintaining the West Virginia section of an online national tourism site designed for a travel agent audience. It's a $300 annual stipend, and today I'm just reveling in the fact I was invited to be the one. Tomorrow I will work to make my decision.

I'll sleep on it for a night. I've learned that is a good way to make good decisions.

In other developments (there have been many but let's just deal with one at a time), a well respected and loved man in our community died today.

Normally, I don't participate non-family funerals. My competition is known to show up at a funeral home with his camera, and whether he intends to use it or not, has upset folks. I'm always afraid my appearance will be viewed as "the girl from the newspaper," and not "the woman showing respect."

I must admit as well I don't want any of my readers to see me cry.

Being a city girl orginally, I'm not exactly up on my proper country funeral proceedures either. What food do you make? When do you take it? How long do you stay? What do you say? How long do you continue to hug them when they cry?

Where's Emily Post when you need her?

Also, as a not-so-good cook, I'm not one to just whip up a casserole or fancy dish. I'm good with meat and potatoes, salt and pepper, but these country folks are super chefs, making those country dishes that stick to your innards and taste so divine. You know, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, three bean salad, strawberry cheesecake, meatloaf with a sweet and tangy coating, home made biscuits...

Man, I hope regular sweet potatoes is an acceptable funeral food.

Alas, not one to normally transport cooked food, I spilled sweet potato juice (sticky with brown sugar and marshmallows) all over my car, my pants, the widow's porch, carpet and kitchen counter.

Next time, I think I'll make finger sandwiches.

Or maybe I'll just send several boxes of Kleenex, some paper plates, napkins and cups.

By the way, if you can't see the first two sections of this entry, it's because I haven't figured out the html yet. Scroll down the page and then scroll back up again, and it will magically reappear. If you know what it is I'm doing wrong - please enlighten me!