Each time we visit the VA Hospital in Buffalo, I leave shaken and depressed. So many men, and a few women, old and young. The people we see are mostly gray haired with that distinctive military bearing, although often bent over or limping. Some are feeble, in wheelchairs or on gurneys, drawn and gray. The younger ones are often missing limbs. They served when called and now they need support and care. The staff and doctors are doing what they can to address their needs, but the demands on the system are vast and growing. It's so overwhelming. I think every politician should be required to visit a VA facility for an entire day each month. Maybe then they would begin to understand the long term effects of their policies.
I spent the afternoon reading about self-publishing and that was a bit depressing too. I know I need a copy editor, a cover designer and someone to format the whole book. I will not release a book that isn't effectively designed, laid out and carefully proofread. Putting a product out for public consumption is terrifying. I'm giving myself at least two to four weeks for research before I even write a query. It feels a bit like fall 2008 when I first began outlining the book. It was this huge, scary project and so hard to start that I did very little but think during that first year. Now, eight years later, that part is done and I'm turning to the next big, scary set of tasks.
Today, Mary found a vendor called Skye Island Tours. We booked a gentleman named Gus to take our crew on a day tour of the scenic spots on Isle of Skye. Fantastic! All we need now is the train and ferry tickets.
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