There was a time in my life when a quickie meant something other than my intention this evening.

Many of you may not realize that I arrived in Charlottesville, VA several days ahead of my original plans because for some odd reason, it was cheaper to rent for one week rather than the four days I really needed. So, I decided to stretch my visit into a mini vacation.

This is a busy time for David as he wraps up his JAG Law School commitments, but we were able to have dinner together last night - including two of his fellow JAGs, and we had lunch today after a delightful tour of the school.

Clarification: The JAG School, which is located on UVA campus is not affiliated with the university. This was my error with earlier reporting. Yet, what good fortune for the JAGs because UVA is one of the most beautiful campuses I've ever seen. History whispers from every cobblestone and hand-hewed brick. It's breathtaking.

Other than that, I've slept gallons of hours, watched cable TV because I don't have cable at home, and just about OD'd on HGTV and the Food Network stations. I'm also finally reading The Road by Cormac McCarthy.

The home I'm renting is quite lovely. It's located in the up and coming area called Belmont. Since I've spent my entire life up and coming, I feel right at home. It's a little ragged around the edges but winks at the future with possibilities. David and I liken it to the Valentine District in KCMO, which we like a lot. Some of you will get the reference.

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The person I engaged to read and critique my novel, beat the snot out of it. Don't fret... I totally expected it. I was thrilled! She gave me something to work with. Solid, intelligent feedback. When I return to the mountain, I start my rewrites. With my first draft, I had two fabulous first readers who gave me wonderful ideas with character and plot development. This woman was a barracuda with teeth that sliced into the areas that needed slicing. I've been in one writing group before and a word hasn't been invented for the disaster it was for me. The feedback was crappy subjective fodder. It was one of the WORST experiences ever. The thing is that I have no problem with a solid critique - something that will move me forward. So I was thrilled with the recent feedback.

In recent months I've been invited to participate with two websites - writing. One involves human interest insights - the other travel. Since I don't travel much anymore, I feel a bit limited, but I have a doozey of a post marinating in my head regarding my current visit in Charlottesville. I've had practice in renting homes as well as renting my own so I have good insights and advice.

Um, this wasn't as quick as I thought it would be... but then, it never was.