It’s been a while since I wrote anything about my mom. If you follow me on Facebook, you’ve probably noticed a number of posts recently about long nights in the ER with her. I appreciate the kind concerns and prayers from friends and family. But while I know they’re well intended, the “hope she gets well soon” sentiments cut like a finely honed blade. Mom isn’t going to get well. She has good days and bad. More and more of the latter. Today’s “good days” are about the same as the bad ones a couple months ago. She has vascular dementia. In addition to her mental slippage, her legs have grown weak and uncooperative, adding to her pre-existing balance issues. We plead with her to call for assistance to get out of bed. Unfortunately, she can’t remember that she’s had numerable falls lately, so she continues to try to get up and around on her own, resulting in more falls. And in more trips to the ER. She has dislocated her right hip twice now. She’s hit her head more times ...

We finally have some fall color (and fog) around here, even as temperatures climbed into the 80s yesterday. I have no doubt that one good rain and wind storm will strip the trees bare, so we need to enjoy the fleeting moment while it lasts.

Saturday morning, I attended another fun panel. This one was on spying and included my pal John Lawton. I was so excited for my Pittsburgh Sisters in Crime Mary "Liz Milliron" Sutton and Paula Smith for making it into Blood on the Bayou, the Bouchercon anthology, I couldn't wait for the signing. I know how hard they've worked and it's great to see that hard work rewarded. I had to rush from the anthology signing to my own panel. The Henery Press gang met for drinks in the very crowded and very loud bar. Then I headed down the street to my friend Ellen Byron's new book launch party. That's me and Eleanor Jones helping with promotion. And for me, that wrapped up my New Orleans experience. I retreated to my room to pack for my early flight home. Thanks to everyone who worked so tirelessly to put this convention together. It was a blast!

Friday at Bouchercon started with more beignets and another fun panel. My pals, the Wicked Cozies held a get-together. Always great to hang out with this gang. Then Martha, Susan, and I took off into the sweltering French Quarter for a long walk. I do mean sweltering. I think New Orleans may have been the place to inspire tattooed makeup, because the normal stuff melts off in minutes. We won't talk about my hair. Anyway, we had a great walk in spite of the muggies. Loved this vintage clothing store! I've seen this place on NCIS: New Orleans! Susan Thibadeau snapping photos of the riverboat. This street performer was fabulous, but he would have gotten a better donation had he not yelled at me for not putting my money in the can quickly enough. Martha along the Mississippi River. Heading back to the hotel, of course a trio of crime writers would spot a police vehicle! To be continued...

It's been a busy month. My trip to New Orleans for Bouchercon, library tour, various appointments and meetings... So yes, I'm late with my NOLA recap, but here are some of my photos and memories from the Big Easy. Wednesday was my travel day. Had to stop and grab a picture of one of the Pittsburgh Airport statues: the Immaculate Reception with Franco Harris. My sister in crime and critique partner Mary Sutton a.k.a. Liz Milliron and her hubby were on the same flight. Nice to have travel buddies. The flights were smooth and on time. Here's my less-than-spectacular view from my room, but at least I was at the end of a hall, so it was quiet. This became more important as the week went along. We went for a short stroll around the narrow streets of the French Quarter. On Thursday, Bouchercon officially began. I had my first beignets for breakfast with Kaye Barley and Dave Magayna. Yummy! Great company too! Then it was time to take in some panels. ...