Sorcery & Super Science!

Finished the maps for the first Lands of Darkness product. It feels a bit odd to do tactical maps as that's not something I've done before, but it's, IMO, the default assumption with the new edition so they're done. Did an overview map with the 12 detailed areas highlighted but with many other areas left for the DM to fill in. We're taking the approach that here's an adventure backdrop for a GM to flesh out with individualized encounters based upon the plot of his or her campaign and we're providing solid and exciting encounters to help with all the work that GM's invariably do. I think it'll serve its purpose well at the table.

As some may know, Suzi and I have been dieting for a while now. I've lost about 30-35 pounds in total. We tend to diet very well for a few months and then take a week or so off before returning. We gain a bit of weight in the breaks, but we end up shedding it within the first two weeks of solid dieting. It's working out well so far. We're right at the beginning of the solid dieting phase right now after two weeks off, but my parents will be coming in for a few days this weekend and with GenCon right around the corner I have the feeling that we won't do to well until after the Con. That's fine with me, I like food. :)

Also, today is our Tuesday pickup with our local community supported agriculture. We pay a local organic farm to grow food for us (and eggs, two dozen of the best eggs every week) and we pick up what's fresh out of the garden once a week. It costs about $550 for 20 weeks of veggies and eggs, so the price is a little high (for around here) but not really that much. And the quality is wonderful. If you've got the interest check out to see if there's any community supported agriculture in your neck of the woods: it's local, it's fresh, and if you can find it, it's organic.

And finally, we've got our first watermelon a'growing along with two cantaloupes. I didn't know that cantaloupes were fuzzy when they were little. It's strange to think about how far away we've gotten from the vitally important knowledge of growing food. Specialization is wonderful, and I appreciate it fully, but I'm finding that growing things, pulling them out of the ground, and then eating them has a deep satisfaction that I don't really find through writing. It's guttural, and makes me fondly remember my grandfather and his garden. Didn't realize his skill at it until looking over my rather pathetic pickings for this first year. :)

joe b.